Prospects and Challenges of Teachers Resource Centers in Teachers’ Professional Development in Mbulu District, Tanzania

This study assessed the prospects and challenges of Teachers` Resource Centers in promoting teachers’ professional development with special focus on Mbulu District. Specifically, the study explored people’s awareness about the concept of teachers` resource centers in Mbulu District; identified challenges facing resource centers in Mbulu District; and assessed measures taken to promote resource centers in the district. The sample consisted of 58 respondents including 42 males and 16 females selected from six categories of respondents; Head Masters, Head Teachers Ward Education Officers, Teachers` Resource Centers` Coordinators and District Education Officers. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, documentary reviews and focus group discussions. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used in data analysis process. The study found that majority of education stakeholders in Mbulu District had higher level of awareness about the existence of Teachers’ Resource Centers. Teachers` resource centers were found to face challenges including poor supervision of how they perform their duties, lack of funds to enable the centers perform activities and limited number of qualified people who could run teachers’ resource centers effectively. Further measures taken to support resource centers by educational authorities in Mbulu District included staging campaigns to raise awareness of prospects and challenges of TRCs, sending teachers for further studies and holding seminars for TRCs stakeholders. The study recommends that the number of TRCs should be increased; funds shouldbe disbursed by the Government to District Authorities and then to teachers` resource centers to enable smooth and efficient implementation of the centers activities.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

The Open University Of Tanzania

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Msuya, Arnold Simon

• 370 Education

Language dc:language

en