Factors affecting performance of adult learners in the Tanzania Military secondary schools in the National form four Examinations

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting performance of adult learners in the Tanzania Military Secondary Schools in the National Form Four Examinations. Five variables based on five research questions were investigated. The variables included course content, teaching methods, frequent interferences with the school time-tables, heterogeneity of the classes and teaching aids and materials. The study was a case study based on three Tanzania Military Secondary Schools situated in Urban-West Region in Zanzibar (one school) and Dar es Salaam Region (two schools). The sample population involved in the study included 120 students, 15 teachers, 3 head­ masters and one school inspector. The study employed the Open System1 Model {Katz and Kahn, (1966) to examine the interrelations of the three components namely input, process and output (outcomes ). Pour instruments were utilized in the data collection process. The instruments included questionnaire, open and closed ended, interviews, observation and documentary reviews . The questionnaire were administered to 120 students and 15 teachers. The interviews (unstructured) were administered to the headmasters and one school Inspector . With the aid of Planders Interaction, Matrix, observation was carried in the class room for thirty minutes at an interval of three seconds, twice in each school. Documentary reviews were also employed for supplementary and comple­mentary purposes. The data collected through questionnaire, inter- views, documentary reviews and observation techniques were tallied by hand, added together and converted into percentages by the use of an electronic calculator. Open -ended questionnaire and interviews were analysed by content analysis. Data acquired from observation and records were put in descriptive and/ or tabulated form. The study findings revealed that. the course content was not consonant with the learners ‘needs and motives, thus was contributory to persistent poor performance of the adult learners in the National Form Four Examinations. The lecture method of teaching was predominant, thus exaceberating performance Frequent interferences with the school time- tables caused a wastage of a number of days in each month which rendered the schools impossible to cover the syllabus successfully, hence buted to the poor performance. The inadequacy of teaching aids and materials was linked to the poor performance because optimal assimilation and retention of what the learners learnt could not be achieved. The heterogeneity of the classes in terms of age p ranks, academic backgrounds and duration one had stayed from completion of primary education, was found to be not contributive to the poor performance. Recommendations for improving performance in the Tanzania Military Secondary Schools ware out­ lined as follows: Adoption of an integrated vocational curriculum where course content is outlined in themes instead of subject disciplines; Impartation of knowledge of adult teaching and psychology to the incumbent teachers and others who will be posted to the military secondary schools; should be organized in an orientation programme by the Military Headquarters or Headmasters. The army Headquarters should evaluate and enforce implementation of its 1981 directive on secondary education in the army; and Reduction of the number of secondary schools in the army so as to make optimal use of meagre resources available. With regard to further research it was suggested that a study should be conducted to establish the extent to which lack of continuous assessment contributed to the achievement of the students in the Tanzania Military Secondary Schools. Also, a study to investigate course contents for an interg­ rated curriculum according to the needs and aspirations of the army men and women was suggested . Moreover, a study to establish specific types of teaching methods ideal for the army men and women was suggested. It' was furthermore suggested• that the Army Headquarters should conduct an evaluative study. Lastly, a study to specify the number and types of schools which can adequately be supported with the resources available was suggested.