Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Streaming Secondary School Students According To Their Academic Performance In Hai District, Kilimanjaro, Tunzoely Kikaho

Master of Education

This study explored the effects of streaming students according to their academic abilities by assessing the positive and negative effects associated with such conduct. A qualitative research approach with a case study design was adopted. The study sample size comprised of three teachers (One academic teacher, and two classroom teachers) who were purposively sampled; and 16 form two students who were stratified sampled. The interview guide, focus group discussion guide and document analysis protocol were employed as data collection instruments. The study found that streaming increases inequalities between students as students in lower classes are being labeled hence feel inferior …

Investigating Primary School Teacher’S Knowledge Of Creating And Using Rubrics To Improve Learning: A Case Of Public Primary Schools, Kisumu County In Kenya, Cecilia Awuor

Master of Education

Assessing learners using rubrics is an essential tool in the current competency-based curriculum being rolled out in Kenya. There are however limited studies in Kenya investigating teacher's knowledge of creating and using rubrics for assessment. To fill this gap, a case study of two primary schools was conducted in Kisumu Central Zone. This study aimed to investigate primary school teacher's knowledge of creating and using rubrics to improve learning in public primary schools. The study's research questions were framed to find out if teachers knew about creating and using rubrics. Data was collected using unstructured questions on the interview guide …

Exploring Teachers’ Formative Assessment Practices In Improving Biology Learning And Performance: A Case Of Selected Community Secondary School In Moshi Municpality, Beatitude Jackson Mrema

Master of Education

The purpose of the study was to explore current formative assessment practices by Biology teachers and how these practices influence learning and performance in Biology. The study involved a case study in a single selected community ordinary level secondary school in Moshi municipality. It purposively involved two biology teachers from non-examination classes and twenty students. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews which involved the teachers, classroom observations, focus group discussion with the students and document review and analysis. The data was transcribed verbatim, then coded and themes generated through thematic analysis. The study findings revealed that: biology teachers use …

An Exploration Of How Teachers Deal With Secondary School Students’ Errors And Misconceptions In Mathematics Teaching And Learning In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Zaituni Otindo Ali

Master of Education

Errors are a common phenomenon in the mathematics classroom. It is therefore, important that the teacher has the knowledge of being able to unravel the errors in the course of curriculum implementation as well as employ strategies that are appropriate in alleviating these errors. This study explored how mathematics teachers deal with students’ errors and misconceptions in the teaching and learning of mathematics in secondary schools in Tanzania. The research questions guiding data collection sought to establish some of the error’s students make, ways in which teachers identify those errors and the instructional strategies that teachers employ to alleviate those …

Head Teachers’ Views Of Instructional Leadership: A Case Study Of Four Primary School Head Teachers In Kitgum Municipal Council, Uganda, Olanya Michael West

Master of Education

Instructional leadership practice has become a widely acknowledged leadership approach in the 21st century which is said to have impressive effect in improving academic achievements of learners. This study sought to explore primary school head teachers’ views of their instructional leadership practices in Kitgum Municipal Council, Uganda. The study employed a qualitative research approach and adopted a case study design in which purposeful sampling of four primary school head teachers was done for investigation from four primary schools in Kitgum Municipal Council, Uganda. Data collection methods included one on one semi structured interviews, document analysis and observations. The findings revealed …

Exploring The Influence Of Language Teachers’ Experiences Of Learning Language On Their Teaching Practices, Paul Kinuthia Mwangi

Master of Education

Numerous studies have been conducted to understand why teachers teach in the way to do. Whilst a number of reasons have been given, none has been emphatically conclusive about what influences teachers to adopt certain teaching practices. Even though initial teacher preparation has been identified as a core influencing factor, it has also been observed that teachers teach in ways that do not take into account their teacher preparation experiences. This study therefore, explored how Kiswahili and English language teachers’ experiences of learning language have influenced their teaching practices. The study employed a qualitative approach and adopted a narrative inquiry …

An Exploration Of The Use Of Spoken English In Diploma Teacher Education Colleges: A Case Of Southern Highlands Zone Of Tanzania, Rizick Nyambo Onani

Master of Education

This study explored the use of spoken English in the context of a Tanzanian Diploma Teacher Education and preparation College (DTEC) where English mediates instruction and communications. Through a rapid ethnographic case study, it interviewed the College Principal, Academic Dean, Student Teachers’ Representatives, observed lessons and shadowed teacher trainees for interaction for data collection. The findings show that the use of spoken English in the DTEC is deterred by the persistent use of Kiswahili, Kiswahili/English codeswitching, noninteractive teaching methods and poor English language background. However, the college has initiated programs for promoting the use and speaking in English such as …

Investigating Classroom Practices: Development Of Learners’ Social And Emotional Oracy Skills. A Case Of One Secondary School In Iringa District – Tanzania, Joel Wanguba

Master of Education

Schools represent the first interactional environment after home. Teachers signify a point of reference for learners and impact their social and emotional development through the way teachers display social and emotional skills in the classroom, encourage student-teacher interaction, and manage and organise the classroom. The main objective of this study was to investigate how teachers develop social and emotional oracy skills in a Form One classroom. Specifically, the study investigated teachers’ perceptions on the social and emotional oracy skills, factors that facilitate the development of learners’ social and emotional oracy skills in the classroom, strategies teachers use to develop students’ …

Revisiting Caroli Syndrome In A Tanzanian Patient, Casmir Wambura, Munish Sharma, Salim Surani

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Caroli disease and Caroli syndrome are two rare congenital diseases of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Caroli syndrome is characterized by the saccular dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts associated with congenital hepatic fibrosis. It is rarely diagnosed in childhood. We hereby describe a case of Caroli syndrome in a young Tanzanian female who had abdominal pain and distension since childhood. Her history suggested the presence of portal hypertension possibly from congenital hepatic fibrosis. The diagnosis was reached based on ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

An Investigation On The Causes Of Student’S Poor Performance Of Bookkeeping Subject In Form Four National Examinations: A Case Of Ubungo Municipal Council, Mshindo Idd

Master of Education

The form four national examination results in bookkeeping subject for years have been going down. Many students are performing poorly in their national examinations. However, students' performance in bookkeeping subjects is very good when students are in form two. This research investigates the causes of student’s poor performance of bookkeeping subject in form four national examinations. The research was a case study design and used purposive sampling in getting research participants. Data for this research were collected through a semi-structured interview and document analysis. The research involved 17 participants who are; Students, Subject teachers, Academic teachers, and Head of schools. …

Parents Perception Of Early Childhood Education: A Case Study Of Mahango A Rural Sub-County In Kasese District-Uganda, Eria Sukutha

Master of Education

Parental Perception on Early Childhood Education means how the parents view and understand the education children acquire from Early Childhood Centers. Early Childhood Education involves engaging children in developmental activities that help them to thrive throughout the aspects of growth and development. The major focus of this study was basically the school education that children gain in the early years of life from early childhood centers also known as pre-schools. When parents positively perceive the early education of their children, they do not only influence the academic acquisition but also the holistic development. The study used a case study design …

A Document Analysis Of The Implementation Of Competency-Based Curriculum: Investigating The Role Of Head Teachers In Kenya., Patience Wabosha Mnengwa

Master of Education

Primary education is basic education level in Kenya and has faced various reforms, UPE, FPE and the Competency-Based Curriculum. The study was carried on document analysis on CBC implementation; to investigate the roles of headteachers. The headteacher being the leader at the school level, the study sought to know the considerations for them, lessons learned from the initial experiences of the reform implementation, and the best practices that ought to be developed to improve implementation at the school level. The study investigated the reform implementation, the curriculum framework, and the guidelines availed for the headteachers in the improvement of schooling …

Exploring Quality Classroom Questioning As Practiced By Teachers In The Teaching And Learning Process: A Case Of A Secondary School In Siaya, Kenya., Samuel Ojode Oluoch

Master of Education

Classroom questioning as one of the practices and tools at a teacher’s disposal in the teaching and learning process can be considered the strongest tool to teach students how to think. The purpose of this study is to explore quality classroom questioning practices manifested in the teaching and learning process in a form four class. The study used the Bloom’s taxonomy and the Information Processing model as theoretical framework for the study. The study was based on interpretivist paradigm that is exploratory in nature taking a qualitative approach. The study involved use of classroom observation, semi-structured interviews involving four teachers …

“Classroom Practices Of Primary School Teachers Of English: Examining The Potential Application Of Post Method Pedagogy In Kenya”, Karanja Paul Kabogo

Master of Education

This study aimed to examine the classroom practices of primary school teachers of English that reflect application of post method pedagogy in teaching of English language. The teacher in the context of Post Method Pedagogy is a researcher and a facilitator in the teaching process, leading to the development of teachers’ own theory of practice and learner autonomy. Specifically the study was guided by the following three objectives; examine the classroom practices of teachers of English in teaching of English which overlap with the construct of post method pedagogy, examine the role of the primary school teacher of English in …

Mathematics Teachers’ Preparedness To Teach In A Virtual Classroom: Focus On Covid-19 Impact On Education, Jemimah Wangui Ng'ang'a

Master of Education

Virtual classroom is a “web-based online environment that delivers course materials to learners and provides collaboration and interaction” (Subramaniam & Kandasamy, 2011, p.1) opportunity as well as support the learners’ independent study. Virtual classroom facilitates virtual learning in a virtual learning environment (VLE). In the recent times virtual learning has become inevitable especially considering the situation where learners are supposed to be home for a longer period than usual. This has been evident with the outbreak of corona virus COVID-19, by the beginning of the year 2020 the disease had spread to other parts of the world thus paralyzing a …

Exploring Secondary School Learners’ Experiences Of Learning English Online Or Remotely During Covid-19 Pandemic., Florence Achieng Deya

Master of Education

The importance of online and remote learning cannot be overemphasized. Nonetheless, Kenya, like other developing countries is still struggling with technology implementation and integration in education. The onset of Covid-19 pandemic was an eye opener as to how the country still needed to do more in integrating technology, especially in basic education. Schools had to be closed and for continuity of learning, learning was moved to online or remote. This research, explored secondary learners’ experiences of learning online or remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study which was qualitative in its approach adopted a rapid ethnographic design. Multiple data collection …

Exploration Of Mathematics Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge For Teaching Subtraction Strategies. A Case Of Kwania Disrict, Uganda., Owino Ambrose

Master of Education

This study has been an exploration of mathematics teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) for teaching subtraction strategies. In the process of the study, a case study was conducted and data was collected using questionnaire and interview. Data was analyzed to obtain themes for the qualitative research data. In the study eight teachers from two government public school filled the questionnaires given to them within a period of one week. These period was given to provide the participant enough time to work on the questionnaire and attained conceptualization of pedagogical content knowledge and subtraction strategies. In addition, the eight teachers also …

Secondary School Students’ Use Of Smartphones: What Can We Learn About Learners’ Devices To Improve Learning?, Iddi Kasanda Kwiligwa

Master of Education

The development of technology in the last two decades has drastically changed people’s lives across the world, particularly in the communication domain. Smart phones that support access to the internet have become popular accounting for 60% of internet connections across the globe (Ng et al, 2017). Smart phones are portable, accessible, relatively cheap, and are easy to repair, and do not require sophisticated skills to operate (Chambo, et al, 2013; Kihwele & Bali 2013). In the education sector, generally, smartphones are used by students to search learning materials through the internet using various applications and sources (Buchanan, 2011; Twum, 2017; …

Roles Of The School Management Committees In Supporting Teaching And Learning In Early Childhood Classes Of Budde Sub-County, Butambala District, Uganda, Tabu Paul

Master of Education

The study sought to explore the roles of the school management committees (SMC) in supporting teaching and learning in early childhood classes of Budde sub-county. The problem was the poor performance of schools, especially, in English and mathematics. And the research objectives were; to establish how the School Management Committee (SMC) exercise their administrative role in supporting teaching and learning in early childhood classes in Budde sub-county schools; to find out how the school management committee (SMC) practice their Supervisory role for the support of teaching and learning in early childhood classes in Budde sub-county early years schools; and to …

Factors Contributing To Female Students Underperformance In Mathematics For Secondary Schools: A Case Study Of Kasulu District., Charles Oman

Master of Education

This study explored the factors that contributed to the underperformance of female students in mathematics in a Secondary School in Kasulu. A qualitative research approach with a case study design was applied. The study sample size comprised of eight form four female students who were randomly sampled using a stratified sampling technique with two strata from science and art combinations. The interview guide and questionnaires were used as data collection tools. The study found out that factors such as Lack of peer support during learning process, lack of books in the school library and poor sanitation of school toilets affected …

Teachers’ Use Of Formative Assessment In Teaching Reading Comprehension In The Transition Class In Moyo Sub-County, Moyo District., Kinyaa Ayia Rufina

Master of Education

Studies revealed that appropriate use of formative assessment when teaching reading comprehension develops learner’s self-efficiency and builds their confidence in learning. The vital goal of formative assessment is to develop learner’s ability and skills that can make them responsible for their own learning. Unfortunately, most teachers have inadequate knowledge on the effective use of formative assessment in teaching reading comprehension. The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers use of formative assessment in teaching reading comprehension in the transition class. The researcher applied a qualitative approach for collection and analysis of raw data and employed an exploratory case study …

Prevalence And Factors Associated To Incidental Prostate Carcinoma Among Patients Undergoing Turp For Benign Prostatic Enlargement., Isaac Herman Mawalla

Master of Medicine in General Surgery

Background: Prostate carcinoma carries higher morbidity and mortality when diagnosed late. Prostate cancer screening is paramount, however, there are no specific clinical signs for early-stage prostate cancer. As an independent variable, prostate-specific antigen is an established predictor of cancer. Incidental prostate cancer is detected by histological examination of resected biopsy tissue that had been previously diagnosed as benign. In the current PSA-use era the prevalence of incidental prostate cancer ranges from 1.4 to 13%. The prevalence in Tanzania as published by Gunda et al was 21.71%. This is alarmingly high. However, in his study, patients with high prostate-specific antigens were …

Perceptions Of Surgeons On Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis Use At Aga Khan Hospital, Dar Es Salaam., Elizabeth Elibariki Mmari

Master of Medicine in General Surgery

Introduction: Surgical site infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among operated patients. The use of antibiotic prophylaxis in prevention and reduction of incidence of surgical site infection is widespread. In spite of the accessibility of universal and national guidelines for surgical prophylaxis, recent studies surveying the present routine of prophylaxis have demonstrated overutilization of a wide range antibacterial medications for a single patient. Few studies have shown qualitatively factors influencing this, and perceptions of surgeons on surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use. Unfortunately, none of these studies have been done in Tanzania. Objective: To describe the perceptions of surgeons …

Effect Of Unmaskes On Delivering Difficult News Among Residents, Karishma Sharma

Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine

Background: Effective delivery of difficult news to patients and family has been shown to improve the physician-patient relationship, quality of care, and overall patient satisfaction. However, delivery of difficult news (DDN) remains a challenging task for even the most experienced providers. Little has been studied about delivery of difficult news by resident physicians in the sub-Saharan setting. We developed a 4-minute, easily accessible, graphic video using the mnemonic UNMASKES to help improve delivery of difficult news by resident physicians at our institution and their patients. Objective: To determine the impact of a short training video called UNMASKES in helping resident …

Utility Of Glasgow-Blatchford Scoring System In Identification Of Low Risk Patients With Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding In Emergency Departments In Dar Es Salaam Hospitals, Tanzania, Selestin D. Mpiri

Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine

Background: Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) remains a common cause of visits to the Emergency Department (ED). To stratify the risk of complications, rebleeding, need for clinical intervention, or death, several clinical scores are in use. Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS) is an excellent risk assessment tool and has shown to accurately identify patients with a low risk of death or requiring intervention. In urban Tanzania, there is a lack of standardized protocol and a well-validated risk assessment tool for analyzing patients presenting with UGIB symptoms. Good performance of GBS score and its use will help to reduce unnecessary emergency endoscopies and …

Knowledge Of Inhaler Use Among Medical Officers In The Management Of Asthma In Children In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Hannah Moore

Master of Medicine in Family Medicine

Background: The inhaled route is the preferred first line method for administration of asthma medication. It is however documented that oral and intravenous routes are the commonly adopted methods of administering asthma medication in children, and the knowledge of the use of inhalers and inhaler devices has not been well documented in middle and low-income countries. Knowledge of inhaler technique among medical personnel ensures effective education of its use to patients to provide the desired results in managing asthma in children. Studies in developing countries have demonstrated a generally low level of knowledge of inhaler use among Medical Doctors and …

Maternal Healthcare Services Use In Mwanza Region, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Baseline Survey, James Orwa, Michaela Mantel, Micheal Mugerwa,, Sharon Brownie, Eunice Pallangyo, Loveluck Mwasha, Kahabi Isangula, Leonard Subi, Secilia Mrema, Grace Edwards, David Siso, Edna Selestine, Tumbwene Mwansisya, Columba Mbekenga, Marleen Temmerman

Population Health, East Africa

Background: Improving maternal health by reducing maternal mortality/morbidity relates to Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving this goal is supported by antenatal care (ANC), health facility delivery, and postpartum care. This study aimed to understand levels of use and correlates of uptake of maternal healthcare services among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in Mwanza Region, Tanzania.

Methods: A cross-sectional multi-stage sampling household survey was conducted to obtain data from 1476 households in six districts of Mwanza Region. Data for the 409 women who delivered in the 2 years before the survey were analyzed for three outcomes: four …

Exploring The Roles Of Teacher Leaders In Promoting School Improvement: A Case Of One Government-Aided Primary School In Kitgum District, Uganda, Obita Amos

Master of Education

The purpose of this study was to explore the roles of teacher leaders in promoting school improvement in one Government-aided primary schools in Kitgum district, Uganda. It also explored the facilitating factors for school improvement. In addition, it explored the challenges teacher leaders face in performing their school improvement roles. It employed a qualitative research approach with case design. Multiple data gathering methods, namely, the semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion and document analysis were used. The purposeful sampling procedures were used in the selection of the participants. 13 participants who included one headteacher, six teacher leaders, and six teachers. Findings …

Exploring How A-Level Biology Teachers Integrate Ict In Teaching And Learning: A Case Of A Private School In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Florian Nelson Bessango

Master of Education

The integration of technology in teaching and learning is now recognized by academic stake holders in Tanzania as the main driving force for the achievement of the national vision of 2025 (Swartz & Mwiyeria, 2010). The purpose of this research project was to explore how teachers integrate ICT in teaching and learning of Advanced level (A-level) biology. A qualitative research paradigm with the case study design was used in the study. Research participants included a coordinator of the secondary school level, A-level biology students and the subject teacher. One-on-one interviews, focus discussion group, document analysis and classroom observation tools were …

Leadership Against The Odds: A Case Study Of Successful Female Leadership In Taita Taveta County, Kenya., Mercy Nafula Sikuku

Master of Education

The under-representation gap of women in educational leadership positions persistent and pervasive. The feminization of the teaching workforce has meant that women are overly represented in positions of less authoritywhile men continue to dominate decision making positions. This phenomenon has contributed to an imbalanceeducational l leadership but no one seems to pay attention to. A few scholars have over the years embarked to research on women in leadership with a bias on the challenges experienced by women and deficiencies of women school leaders.There has been expansive research on women in educational leadership but little prominence has been given to women …