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Item Classroom-based formative assessment mirroring 21stcentury skills: experiences from secondary school teachers in Dodoma, Tanzania(AJOL, 2024) Rubeba, Asia Mbwebwe; Ali, Habibu DadiRapid changes in science and technological advancement have made it necessary for teachers to align their pedagogical approaches and assessment activities to help the students master the required skills. However, there is limited proof from literatures suggesting teachers’ understanding and competence in fostering the 21st-century skills to their students. Against this rarity in knowledge, the present study examined whether teachers have the requisite understanding of the 21st-century skills and whether they are skilled in shaping teaching and assessment practices that inculcate students’ 21stcentury skills. Guided by a phenomenological research design, this study was accomplished through classroom observation and focus group discussions with 28 secondary school teachers who were purposively selected. Deductive Thematic Analysis of the generated data revealed that teachers had a limited understanding of the 21st-century skills and their objectives. It was also revealed that teachers’ formative assessment activities fall short of the 21stcentury skills. It was observed that the majority of teachers’ assessment activities reflect a phased-out content-based curriculum that perpetuates memorization of facts rather than problem-solving and critical thinking; the assessment activities adopted by teachers did not foster students’ mastery of the 21st-century skills. The study found that teachers were not well prepared to design assessments that foster mastery of the 21st-century skills. It is therefore recommended that regular training for in-service teachers should be conducted in order to enable them acquire up-to-date teaching and assessment skills as required by the changes introduced in the school curricula.Item The contribution of school quality assurance for the improvement of instructional practices in secondary schools in Zanzibar(AJOL, 2024) Kassim, Khadija Said; Matete, Rose Ephraim; Mwinjuma, Juma Saidi; Ali, Habibu DadiThe study investigated the contribution of school quality assurance in the improvement of instructional practices in secondary schools in Zanzibar. While employing a convergent parallel design, the study involved 167 teachers, 12 Heads of Secondary Schools, 11 External School Quality Assurers, 2 District Education Officers, and the Regional Education Officer, totalling 193 participants. Data were collected through interviews, documentary reviews, and questionnaires. Data were analysed through pie charts and content analysis. The results indicate that although ESQA plays a significant role in improving instructional practices in secondary schools, it was found that the respective authorities did not work on the ESQA reports and recommendations. The results also indicate that ESQ assurers had inadequate knowledge and technical competency in instructional supervision. It was again found that ESQ assurers used unfriendly language to the Heads of Schools (HoSs) and teachers. The results indicate that the ESQ assurers were few and the budget for ESQA was insufficient to enable them to perform their work efficiently and effectively. It is concluded that ESQA plays a significant role in the improvement of the quality of education and thus the ESQA Department needs to be strengthened by providing financial resources and relevant training programs to the ESQ assurers for effective monitoring of the quality of education provision in the country. The owners of the schoos and responsible authories need to take immediate actions upon receiving ESQA reports to achieve the desired impact in secondary schools.Item Barriers to accessibility of learning among minority refugee children: A systematic literature review(Elsevier BV, 2024) Ndibalema, PlacidiusThe study examined the barriers to accessibility of learning opportunities among refugee children. A systematic review involved 25 articles that were subjected to thematic content analysis using Atlas.ti software version 22. The results revealed several barriers which included: poor school support, sexual violence from teachers and peers, curriculum gaps between home and host country and unresponsive learning environment. Other barriers were: limited access to teaching materials, classroom space, language and cultural barriers and lack of parental support. There is a need for more evidence-based efforts which aim at creating a responsive learning environment among refugee children in the host countries.Item Contribution of External Quality Assurance in Improving Instructional Practices among Heads of Schools and Teachers in Secondary Schools in Zanzibar(The Open University of Tanzania, 2024) Kassim, Khadija Said; Matete, Rose EphraimIn this study, we explored the contribution of External School Quality Assurance (ESQA) towards the improvement of instructional practices among Heads of Schools (HoSs) and teachers in secondary schools in Zanzibar. A mixed-methods research approach coupled with a convergent parallel design was employed to generate data. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to get the study participants. Data were collected from the Kaskazini Region in Unguja. The study involved 167 teachers, 12 HoSs, 1 REO, 2 DEO, and 11 ESQ assurers. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentary review and analyzed through content analysis and bar charts. The findings indicate that although ESQA has a great contribution to the improvement of instructional practices, classroom observation was not effectively carried out by ESQ assurers. The findings also indicate that ESQ assurers created fear and tension among teachers because teachers knew that their work performance was to be reported to higher authority. The findings indicate further that there were irregular school visits which hindered the HoSs' and teachers’ effective improvement of instructional practices. The key argument in this study is that the current ESQA is ineffective in enhancing instructional practices in secondary schools. For ESQA to contribute to the improvement of instructional practices among HoSs and teachers, ESQ assurers need to concentrate on classroom observation. The government needs to support the ESQA with both human and financial resources and training programmes for the ESQ assurers are equally imperative for effective monitoring of the quality of education in secondary schools.Item Early grade teachers’ professional development programs for promoting school safety: Does it make a difference?(Elsevier BV, 2024) Basil, Pambas Tandika; Ndibalema, Placidius; Lawrent, Godlove; Gabrieli, Prosper; Mbepera, JoyceThis study explored the influence of training on helping teachers to promote greater school safety. A qualitative case study design was adopted, and 213 early grade teachers from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar took part in the study. Data were gathered through individual semi-structured interviews before being thematically analysed. It was evident that teachers were inadequately prepared in terms of autonomy and supportive communication to help their pupils develop crucial skills for creating a safe learning environment. In- service professional development programs related to social and emotional learning would enhance teachers’ ability to support their pupils to address school safety concerns.Item Context-relevant strategies for ICT integration in teaching and learning science subjects in Tanzania secondary schools(Academy of Cognitive and Natural Sciences, 2024) Ngodu, Abdallah; Ndibalema, Placidius M.; William, FrancisInformation and Communication Technology (ICT) can improve science teaching and learning. However, understanding the contexts in which ICT is intended to be integrated for its effectiveness is limited. Therefore, the current study explored context-relevant strategies and challenges for ICT integration in the teaching and learning science subjects in secondary schools in Tanzania. Exploratory sequential design under mixed methods guided the study's conduct. 52 participants (45 science teachers, six heads of schools and one municipal education officer) were purposefully and conveniently involved. Data were collected in two phases: 1st phase was qualitative data through in-depth interviews, 2nd phase was quantitative data through a questionnaire. Thematic analysis guided qualitative data analysis where MS Excel in the form of pivotal charts were used to present the frequency of the responses. SPSS version 27 guided the quantitative data analysis, presenting the output descriptively. Participants presented various context-relevant strategies, including capacity building for teachers, building and equipping computer labs with ICT facilities, maintaining and repairing defective computers, deploying educational technology experts, and making ICT compulsory at all levels of education. On the other hand, participants identified a lack of ICT facilities, limited ICT training opportunities, and digital content as context-relevant challenges for ICT integration in science teaching and learning. The study recommends rigorous pre-service and in-service teacher training programmes on ICT pedagogical integration for science teaching and learning based on these findings. Again, we recommend the improvement of ICT infrastructure in schools to enhance the availability, access, and use of science teaching and learning. The study concludes that if sufficient infrastructures are available and science teachers are equipped with ICT knowledge, teaching and learning of science subjects will be effective.Item Enhancing descriptive writing of secondary school students through digital lesson contents in Zanzibar(Academy of Cognitive and Natural Sciences, 2023) Hamad, Ali Juma; Ndibalema, Placidius M.; Matalu, Kulwa YohanaThis study aimed to find out whether there was a significant difference in descriptive writing enhancement among secondary school students who were taught through digital lesson contents (DLCs) or not. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test through single group design was used for the study. One hundred twenty (120) students from three selected secondary schools were drawn using a purposive sampling technique. First, they were given a pre-test, and then teachers used DLCs for teaching descriptive writing within one month. After that, students were given post-tests to determine the variation of the two test scores. A mixed method approach was applied to focus group discussions and student achievement tests. The data of students’ tests were analysed by inferential statistics using a t-test with the help of SPSS program version 25. However, data from focus group discussions were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that the performance of the students improved after the use of DLCs for teaching and learning descriptive writing. There is a decrease in the proportion of students with low marks (<2) from the pre-test to the post-test, while there is an increase in the proportion of students with high marks (2--5) from the pre-test to the post-test. The findings from participants revealed that DLCs had an impact on raising the students’ interest and motivation as well as improving students’ descriptive writing ability. The study concludes that using DLCs for teaching and learning is a catalyst because it supports and motivates students to achieve sufficient ability in descriptive writing. Based on the findings, the study recommends that effective availability of instructional materials such as computers, projectors and smart TVs should be highly considered for secondary schools to improve the quality of education.Item Barriers to accessibility of learning among minority refugee children: A systematic literature review(Elsevier BV, 2023) Ndibalema, PlacidiusThe study examined the barriers to accessibility of learning opportunities among refugee children. A systematic review involved 25 articles that were subjected to thematic content analysis using Atlas.ti software version 22. The results revealed several barriers which included: poor school support, sexual violence from teachers and peers, curriculum gaps between home and host country and unresponsive learning environment. Other barriers were: limited access to teaching materials, classroom space, language and cultural barriers and lack of parental support. There is a need for more evidence-based efforts which aim at creating a responsive learning environment among refugee children in the host countries.Item Early grade teachers’ professional development programs for promoting school safety: Does it make a difference?(Elsevier, 2024-07) Basil, Pambas Tandika; Ndibalema, Placidius; Lawrent, Godlove; Gabrieli, Prosper; Mbepera, JoyceThis study explored the influence of training on helping teachers to promote greater school safety. A qualitative case study design was adopted, and 213 early grade teachers from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar took part in the study. Data were gathered through individual semi-structured interviews before being thematically analysed. It was evident that teachers were inadequately prepared in terms of autonomy and supportive communication to help their pupils develop crucial skills for creating a safe learning environment. In- service professional development programs related to social and emotional learning would enhance teachers’ ability to support their pupils to address school safety concerns.Item The growth of cyberbullying among youth in higher learning institutions: a bibliometric analysis(Academy of Cognitive and Natural Sciences, 2024-06-15) Ndibalema, Placidius M.Cyberbullying has become one of the misconducts among the youth due to an increased use of the internet in the educational context. The bibliometric analysis was carried out to determine the global trends in the evolution of cyberbullying among the youth in higher learning institutions (HLIs). The analysis involved 1073 research articles published between 2008 and 2022 retrieved from the Dimensions scientific database. The VOSviewer 1.6.20 software was used to establish visualisation networks. The results indicate a rapid growth of research articles on cyberbullying from 2019 to 2022, where most HLIs migrated to virtual teaching due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The developed countries had high rates of research publications and strong collaboration patterns in cyberbullying. The results also indicate factors such as harsh parenting and moral disengagement to be the causes of cyberbullying. The analysis shows that publications on cyberbullying from developing countries are very low compared with their developed counterparts. Examining the trends in cyberbullying among youth in HLIs offers new insights into the prevalence, forms, and concerns of cyberbullying within this specific population of HLIs. This study enhances our understanding of cyberbullying consequences and broadens our knowledge about how increased autonomy among youth in using technology immorally can fasten the growth of cyberbullying in HLIs. This study informs the development of appropriate intervention strategies within HLIs that promote digital safety and citizenship. HLIs can also utilise the findings to develop rules and regulations that address cyberbullying within their institutions. Conducting a systematic review of the effective prevention and intervention strategies on cyberbullying employed by HLIs in different contexts may provide more insights into shaping youth in promoting digital safety.Item Context-relevant strategies for ICT integration in teaching and learning science subjects in Tanzania secondary schools(Academy of Cognitive and Natural Sciences, 2024-03-20) Ngodu, Abdallah; Ndibalema, Placidius M.; William, FrancisInformation and Communication Technology (ICT) can improve science teaching and learning. However, understanding the contexts in which ICT is intended to be integrated for its effectiveness is limited. Therefore, the current study explored context-relevant strategies and challenges for ICT integration in the teaching and learning science subjects in secondary schools in Tanzania. Exploratory sequential design under mixed methods guided the study's conduct. 52 participants (45 science teachers, six heads of schools and one municipal education officer) were purposefully and conveniently involved. Data were collected in two phases: 1st phase was qualitative data through in-depth interviews, 2nd phase was quantitative data through a questionnaire. Thematic analysis guided qualitative data analysis where MS Excel in the form of pivotal charts were used to present the frequency of the responses. SPSS version 27 guided the quantitative data analysis, presenting the output descriptively. Participants presented various context-relevant strategies, including capacity building for teachers, building and equipping computer labs with ICT facilities, maintaining and repairing defective computers, deploying educational technology experts, and making ICT compulsory at all levels of education. On the other hand, participants identified a lack of ICT facilities, limited ICT training opportunities, and digital content as context-relevant challenges for ICT integration in science teaching and learning. The study recommends rigorous pre-service and in-service teacher training programmes on ICT pedagogical integration for science teaching and learning based on these findings. Again, we recommend the improvement of ICT infrastructure in schools to enhance the availability, access, and use of science teaching and learning. The study concludes that if sufficient infrastructures are available and science teachers are equipped with ICT knowledge, teaching and learning of science subjects will be effective.Item Examining the use of teaching and learning aids in the classrooms: An empirical analysis(The University of Dodoma, 2024) Habibu DadiThe importance of using Teaching and Learning Aids (TLAs) is strongly emphasised in the secondary school curriculum documents of Tanzania. Despite this, many in-service teachers appear reluctant to incorporate them into their teaching practices. This research aims to explore the factors influencing this reluctance to use TLAs. The study also proposes strategies to encourage their effective utilisation. Conducted using a phenomenographic design, the research is based on 30 in-depth interviews with teachers purposefully selected from eight public secondary schools in the Njombe Urban district. Eventually, the collected data were subjected to the thematic analysis approach to unearth the key findings emerging from the study. In terms of the reasons for teachers' reluctance to use TLAs, the thematic analysis identified three main themes- long experience syndrome and lack of professional commitment, lack of government support, and lack of professional support. As for the suggestive strategies to reverse the situation, four major themes were identified namely teachers’ professional development, availability of resources, and effective follow–up strategy. The findings suggest that regular seminars should be organised by school leaders and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology to increase teachers’ awareness of the importance of using TLAs in teaching. Furthermore, both internal and external quality assurers in charge of school supervision should ensure that all teachers use instructional resources as recommended by the Ministry.Item Challenges facing the implementation of fee-free education in primary schools in Tanzania(Elsevier BV, 2024) Lucumay, Lucia Samwel; Matete, Rose EphraimIn this paper we investigated the challenges facing the implementation of Fee-Free Education (FFE) in primary schools in Tanzania. We adopted a qualitative approach with a case study exploratory design. The study was carried out in the Geita District Council, involving 28 participants. These were 12 school committee members, 10 headteachers, 5 Ward Education Officers (WEOs), and a District Education Officer (DEO). Data were collected through interviews, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and documentary review. Thematic and content analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that FFE contributed to an increased enrolment rate of pupils from poor families and it improved the retention and attendance rates in primary schools. However, the findings indicate that the visited schools faced a shortage of teachers, school infrastructure such as classrooms, toilets for pupils, and desks because of an increased pupils' enrolment that affected the implementation of FFE. The findings also indicate that headteachers did not receive any in-service training for them to manage the schools’ financial resources. We argue in this study that for effective implementation of FFE in primary schools both headteachers and teachers need in-service training and seminars on financial management. The government also needs to employ more teachers if the quality of education is to be sustained in primary schools. Nevertheless, increasing the budget for education for classroom construction is equally imperative.Item Technological literacy in using Learning Management System among students in higher education institutions Tanzania: the case of two selected universities(Academy of Cognitive and Natural Sciences, 2024) Chasubuta, Aines Rodrick; Ndibalema, Placidius M.; Loisulie, PaulThis paper aims to test the predictive power of facilitative conditions and technological literacy skills in using the Learning Management System (LMS) for learning in a Tanzanian university setting. The paper adopts a quantitative approach in which data were analysed using the linear regression model after securitising for multicollinearity, linearity, normality of data, homoscedasticity, and measurement reliability. The study’s findings indicate that the environmental context had more predictive power for technological literacy among students than the technological and organisational context. The paper provides insights to educational practitioners in HLIs to strengthen their systems so that the technological learning environment aligns with the student's technological literacy development needs. The findings also highlight the need for university authorities to adopt new technological innovations that could be used to enhance students’ digital literacy skills development and be able to cope with 21st-century skills. By examining the level of technological literacy, the research can shed light on the potential barriers students face in using LMS and point out some areas where interventions are needed. This, in turn, can enhance educational outcomes by improving students’ digital skills and their ability to engage with online learning resourcesItem Status of teaching and learning descriptive writing in Zanzibar secondary schools: a case of Wete District(Universitas Majalengka, 2024) Hamad, Ali Juma; Ndibalema Placidius; Matalu, KulwaThis paper investigated the status of teaching and learning descriptive writing among Secondary Schools in Zanzibar. The paper focused on (i) Identifying the types of errors made by secondary school students in their descriptive writing skills and (ii) exploring teaching and learning materials in descriptive writing for secondary schools. A mixed method approach was used, and a case study design employed. Simple random sampling was used to select 140 form four students and they have given a test. Also, eight English language subject teachers and two quality assurers were purposively selected. Data were collected using students’ test, interview, and documentary reviews. The results depict that students had different errors such as grammatical errors, punctuation marks, coherence and content problems. Also, the findings show that many topics prosed using non-digital materials such as textbooks, and written text for teaching and learning descriptive writing in secondary schools. These materials were also not sufficient to give students ability and competence in descriptive writing in ordinary secondary schools. This indicates that there is a need for designing digital lessons for supporting teaching and learning descriptive writing for F1 students. The study concludes that proper teaching and learning digital contents lessons is needed to support teachers and motivate students in the teaching and learning of descriptive writing to secondary school students. To achieve effective descriptive writing to secondary school students, curriculum developers, teachers and other education stakeholders should emphasize on digital materials to motivate students in teaching and learning process.Item Effectiveness of school-based instructional supervision material to enhance school leaders’ capacity to supervise competence-based curriculum implementation in Zanzibar, Tanzania(University of Rwanda – College of Education, 2024) Ali, Habibu DadThis paper assesses the effectiveness of School-Based Instructional Materials (SB-ISMs) in enhancing school leaders’ capacity to supervise competence-based curriculum implementation in Zanzibar. The study employed Design-Based Research (DBR) through phenomenography and a single-group quasi-experimental design. It draws on data from 33 section leaders and 118 teachers purposively selected from 15 secondary schools. The data were generated using interviews and questionnaires. It was found that through SB-ISMs, school leaders can support their teachers in implementing CBC. Besides, the paired samples t-test performed on the mean difference of Section Leaders’ Competence Scale (SLCS) scores before and after the intervention gave 18.36, with a p-value of <0.0001. Further, the mean difference of School Teachers Competence Scale (STCS) scores before and after the intervention was 14.39, with a p-value of <0.0001. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology should disseminate a supervisory guide to all public secondary school leaders, followed by a series of workshops to facilitate its implementation.Item Designing ICT integrated lesson activities: an intervention to bolster tutors’ pedagogical use of ICT competences in Tanzania teacher education(Emerald, 2024) Lubuva, Elisei Emili; Ndibalema, Placidius; Mbwambo, EstherPurpose – The study aims to assess the effectiveness of engaging tutors in designing and using ICT integrated lesson activities in strengthening their pedagogical use of ICT competences. Design/methodology/approach – Survey data from an intervention group of 70 tutors from two teachers’ colleges (TCs) were used to compare their level of ICT competences and domains of professional practice before and after the intervention. Document analysis, lesson observations and feedback from the learning management system (LMS) were used to describe tutors’ experiences from the intervention. Findings – There was a statistically significant increase in tutors’ level of pedagogical use of ICT competences and domains of professional practice associated with hands-on practice in designing and implementing the intervention. Research limitations/implications – The intervention focus on hands-on practice, actual teaching and learning needs, and the use of active learning strategies like flipped classroom and the LMS, were useful means for tutors to make sense of pedagogical use of ICT competences. Practical implications – The results offer useful insights to teacher education institutions and policymakers on how to prepare professional learning and supportive policies to enhance teaching and learning with ICT for addressing the learning needs of the subject matter. Originality/value – Creating 16 ICT integrated lesson activities helped tutors to learn pedagogical use of ICT competences by doing. Use of such intervention could be a useful strategy in teacher education institutions to reposition ICT competence development from reproducing technological competences toward developing knowledge creators who could innovate their pedagogical practice with support from mentors, digital learning resources and networks.Item Teachers’ Perceptions on the Role and Challenges of using ICT in English Language Classrooms(ISTES Organization, 2024) Ndibalema, Placidius; Mrosso, VickyThis paper assessed teachers’ perceived role and limitations on using ICT as a pedagogical tool in enhancing English language fluency. The study employed a descriptive case study design in which interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively through recording the data for thematic procedures. It was found that teachers perceived ICT as an important pedagogical tool for enhancing grammar, vocabulary and accurate pronunciation. However, the use of ICT for teaching English language was limited due to poor ICT infrastructures, insufficient training, teachers’ readiness and unclear policies. The study recommends the government to make a critical investment in ICT facilities and ensure high internet connectivity in secondary schools. A practical training for English teachers on the adoption and integration of ICT through virtual platforms would certainly improve the practice.Item Status of teaching and learning descriptive writing in Zanzibar secondary schools: A case of Wete District(Universitas Majalengka, 2024) Hamad, Ali Juma; Ndibalema, Placidius; Matalu, KulwaThis paper investigated the status of teaching and learning descriptive writing among Secondary Schools in Zanzibar. The paper focused on (i) Identifying the types of errors made by secondary school students in their descriptive writing skills and (ii) exploring teaching and learning materials in descriptive writing for secondary schools. A mixed method approach was used, and a case study design employed. Simple random sampling was used to select 140 form four students and they have given a test. Also, eight English language subject teachers and two quality assurers were purposively selected. Data were collected using students’ test, interview, and documentary reviews. The results depict that students had different errors such as grammatical errors, punctuation marks, coherence and content problems. Also, the findings show that many topics prosed using non-digital materials such as textbooks, and written text for teaching and learning descriptive writing in secondary schools. These materials were also not sufficient to give students ability and competence in descriptive writing in ordinary secondary schools. This indicates that there is a need for designing digital lessons for supporting teaching and learning descriptive writing for F1 students. The study concludes that proper teaching and learning digital contents lessons is needed to support teachers and motivate students in the teaching and learning of descriptive writing to secondary school students. To achieve effective descriptive writing to secondary school students, curriculum developers, teachers and other education stakeholders should emphasize on digital materials to motivate students in teaching and learning process.Item Technological literacy in using learning management system among students in higher education institutions Tanzania: The case of two selected universities(Academy of Cognitive and Natural Sciences, 2024) Chasubuta, Aines Rodrick; Ndibalema, Placidius M.; Loisulie, PaulThis paper aims to test the predictive power of facilitative conditions and technological literacy skills in using the Learning Management System (LMS) for learning in a Tanzanian university setting. The paper adopts a quantitative approach in which data were analysed using the linear regression model after securitising for multicollinearity, linearity, normality of data, homoscedasticity, and measurement reliability. The study’s findings indicate that the environmental context had more predictive power for technological literacy among students than the technological and organisational context. The paper provides insights to educational practitioners in HLIs to strengthen their systems so that the technological learning environment aligns with the student's technological literacy development needs. The findings also highlight the need for university authorities to adopt new technological innovations that could be used to enhance students’ digital literacy skills development and be able to cope with 21st-century skills. By examining the level of technological literacy, the research can shed light on the potential barriers students face in using LMS and point out some areas where interventions are needed. This, in turn, can enhance educational outcomes by improving students’ digital skills and their ability to engage with online learning resources.