Effects of teacher absenteeism on teaching and learning in public secondary schools in Songea Municipal

This study assessed the effects of teacher absenteeism on teaching and learning Songea municipality in Ruvuma region, Southern Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed at: examining the nature of teacher absenteeism in public secondary schools, identifying the factors that influence teacher absenteeism in public secondary schools, assessing the effects of teacher absenteeism on teaching and learning as well as investigating the strategies employed to reduce teacher absenteeism in public secondary schools in Songea municipality. The study employed qualitative approach by using embedded multiple case study design. The sample for the study involved 96 respondents, one municipal secondary education officer, five heads of school, 15 teachers and 75 students who were obtained by using purposive and stratified sampling techniques. Relevant data used in the study were gathered by way of interviews, focus group discussions and documentary review, which was analysed by using content analysis. The findings revealed the public secondary school teachers characteristics, level of education, administrative position and time aspects. However, it was noted that most teachers’ absences fall under excused absenteeism that participation in individual income generating activities and delaying of salary payments are some of the economic factors that affect teachers’ attendance. Furthermore, illness and social problems are among reasons that influence teachers to become absent. The study also noted that, teacher absenteeism exists in public secondary schools because of insufficient supervision and weaknesses of government policies, while unfriendly teaching and learning environment and shortage of science teachers are said to be the other factors that influence teacher absenteeism in public secondary schools. Moreover, the study findings revealed that teacher absenteeism in public secondary schools. Moreover, the study findings revealed that teacher absenteeism largely impacted teaching and learning processes leading to uncovered syllabus, unsatisfactory lesson preparations, the use of inappropriate teaching methods, demoralize teachers who attend schools regularly and generating learners’ dreadful behavior especially during instructional time and procedures. In addition, the study found that, the use of teachers; attendance register, class journals, free lunch to teachers, restricting payments absentees’ teachers, restricting payments to absentees’ teachers, rewards and programmed school inspections and supervisions were aimed at controlling and encountering teachers’ attendance and effective teaching.