Factors affecting teacher absenteeism in primary schools in Tanzania
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Date
1983
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate causes of teacher absenteeism in Tanzanian primary schools in order to suggest ways of abating the problem. The study also sought to ascertain the different manifestations of absenteeism among primary school teachers and policy loopholes which encourage them. Finally the study aimed at determining the nature of the relationship between teacher absenteeism and such factors as individual, school or external environmental characteristics. From the literature review, different variables considered relevant were identified and used to build the model for data needs and data analysis which guided the study. The study was conducted in two regions Dar Es Salaam and Coast. The two regions were selected for comparison reasons. While Dar Es Salaam provided the rural ecology. The study sample consisted of one hundred and seventy seven respondents from ten schools selected from five districts, three in Dar es Salaam and two in Coast region. Three principal methods were used for collecting data, namely documentation, questionnaires and interviews. The data were analyzed using the Contingency Table of Analysis of the chi-square (x2) Test of Independence. The findings of the study showed that, primary school teachers were not forced to join the teaching profession but that they joined teaching out of their own accord both before and after the teacher training course. Despite their interest in the teaching profession, the findings revealed that, the teachers were dissatisfied with the heavy workload they perform, the difficult and unattractive school environment and lack of accommodation. The results also revealed that salaries for primary school teachers were low and that since the 1980 Salary Regulation there were irregularities in salary payment. The study findings further confirmed that women teachers were far more absent than male teachers. From the findings it became self evident that teacher absenteeism was not affected by leadership styles of head teachers. Finally, the findings established that lack of essential services particularly in rural areas led to high rates of absenteeism. From the findings and conclusions reached it was recommended that teachers ought to be relieved of their heavy workload to enable them to concentrate mainly on academic and school activities. It was also recommended that the Ministry of National Education ought to review promotional procedures for primary school teachers to ensure that academic excellence, conduct and special abilities are considered. Furthermore, it was recommended that the Ministry of National Education should review the salary structure of primary school teachers to ensure that teachers are paid fairly according to their workload, experience and academic excellence. It was also recommended that the Ministry of National Education should construct living quarters for the teachers near the schools or make arrangements with the National Housing Corporation so that blocks of buildings in different areas are set aside for the teachers. If this failed it was suggested that teachers be provided with means of transport to enable them look for alternative accommodation elsewhere meanwhile reach schools on time. Moreover it was recommended that schools be encouraged to establish essential services at or near their premises so that teachers can use them instead of seeking them elsewhere. Finally it was recommended that, the mode of salary payment for primary school teachers should be reviewed so that teachers’ salaries are brought at the schools or through the mobile banks to minimize time wasted by teachers in chasing up their salaries.
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Keywords
Absenteeism (Labor), Education, primary school, Tanzania
Citation
Binagi, E. R. (1983) Factors affecting teacher absenteeism in primary schools in Tanzania, Masters dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Available at (http://41.86.178.3/internetserver3.1.2/detail.aspx)