The influence of head teachers’ supervisory role in pupils’ academic performance in primary schools in Tanzania
Date
2005
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
Description
This study highlighted the influence in primary schools in Tanzania. The assumption was that if the headteachers performed supervision of instruction in their schools then the pupils’ performance would not suffer. The main objectives were to assess the headteachers’ supervisory roles in primary schools, to examine how headteachers influence teachers through supervision, to assess the authority heads of schools have in schools and the constraints they encounter when performing their roles. The last was to examine the social support exercised in schools. Literature reviewed was on theoretical discourse and empirical studies outside and inside the country. The study was conducted in Dar es salaam region in all the three districts. Headteachers, teachers, pupils, District Education Officers, school inspectors and ward education coordinators were the population of the study who made a sample of 93 respondents. The instruments used were interviews, observations, and documentary review. Key findings showed that there was lack of supervision of instruction in most public schools compared to private schools. Headteachers influenced teachers through supervision in their classrooms. It was also revealed that heads encountered financial problems when performing their roles. Another finding was that the type of authority headteachers had was very different between public and private schools. In addition it was observed that social support had some impact on pupils’ academic performance.
Recommendations made aimed at improving the academic achievements of pupils in primary schools by calling upon the government to give more authority and training to heads in pupils schools so that they are more involved in supervision of instruction in their schools.
Keywords
Primary schools, Teachers, Academic performance
Citation
Msemwa, T.A.B (2005) The influence of head teachers’ supervisory role in pupils’ academic performance in primary schools in Tanzania, Masters dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.