Challenges Faced by Graduate Teachers in Developing Students’ Competencies in Bukoba Municipality in Kagera Region, Tanzania

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess challenges faced by graduate teachers in developing student competencies in Bukoba Municipality in Kagera Region, Tanzania. The study employed the survey design taking a population of 100 graduates from 27 secondary schools and a sample size of 81 graduate teachers. These were selected using purposive sampling. The data were collected using a questionnaire, interview, and structured observation methods. Quantitative data from the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS, and qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach. This was then presented in a table, using frequencies and percentages for quantitative data and quotes for qualitative data. The findings from the study show that graduate teachers lacked teaching aids and were not satisfied with the learning environment, especially in most of the ward schools. It was also evident that these graduate teachers indicated a lack of in-service training to improve their skills as a major setback when it comes to developing students’ competencies since they lacked opportunities to upgrade their skills on CBC. Generally, the study concludes that teachers are facing a lot of challenges while developing student competencies, such as an acute shortage of teaching and learning materials which hinders effective implementation of the curriculum. However, it recommends in-service training for teachers, supporting teachers with materials needed for the implementation of CBC, as well as improving the teaching and learning environment to ensure graduate teachers develop learners’ competencies fully.