School Community Perceptions of the Potential Contribution of School Inspection in Improving School Performance: A Case of Primary Schools in Mbarali District

This study investigated school community’s perceptions of the potential contribution of school inspection in improving school performances among Mbarali district primary schools, Mbeya region. The first objective identified indicators of improved school performance; the second investigated school community perceptions of school inspectors; the third objective identified what inspectors do during school inspection and their influence on school performance and finally ganging the mitigating factors on school inspection in improving schools performance. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods complementarily in data collection and analysis. The findings show that balanced teacher/pupils ratio, high pupils performance, enhanced deliverance of curriculum, high pupils attendance are among the indicators of improved school performance arising from school inspection. The results show that school inspectors use harsh language, harass and tend to criticize teachers more than motivating them. Respondents added that inspectors feel superior to teachers and that their reports are kept confidential so that teachers do not see what is contained in there. Moreover, the study found out that inspectors oversee implementation of policies, laws, regulations, and directives of education and ensure provision of quality teaching and learning as well as inspecting teachers in classrooms. Also, teacher’s motivation, good infrastructure, enough budgets, use of proper language improves school performances. The study recommends that inspection report should be distributed to teachers for their professional practice, and that school inspectors should have proper oral communication when inspecting, as it will help to motivate teachers and in turn improve school performance.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

The Open University of Tanzania

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Mwaisaka, Lazaro Yona

• 370 Education

Language dc:language

en