Ascriptive Characteristics and Students' Dropout Rate in Selected Secondary Schools in Ruangwa District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT This study titled "Ascriptive Characteristics and Dropout rate in Selected secondary schools in Ruangwa district, Tanzania" was carried out with following objectives: To, determine the profile teachers and students in terms of gender ,age ,religion, tribe , race and teaching experience for teachers; determine the level of ascriptive characteristics in selected secondary schools Ruangwa district ,Tanzania; establish the rate of students dropout; to establish whether there is significant difference in dropout rate between male and females students; determine if there is significant of relationship between ascriptive characteristics and students' dropout . The study used descriptive survey which adopted descriptive correlation, descriptive comparative and ex- post facto designs. Two hundred and seven (207) respondents participated in the study. The findings indicate that majority of respondents were males,128 (79%)and they were well mature, experienced and well qualified; there is high level of Ascriptive Characteristics in (mean=2.8);the district dropout rate was (11.06);it was also found that there is significant difference between male and female students dropout rates; the researcher also found a significant relationship between the level of ascriptive characteristics and students' dropout rate. The researcher recommends that, the schools environment should be improved so as to provide a conducive atmosphere in order to make students love schooling; the government should improve the social services of the rural areas; and Parents/guardians need to be sensitized on how they can follow the development of their children in academic sphere.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Chapter Page 

One 

Two 

Declaration 

Approval 

Acknowledgement 

Abstract 

List of tables 

List of Abbreviations 

Table of contents 

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 

Background of the Study 

Statement of the Problem 

Purpose of the Study 

Research Objectives 

Research Questions 

Hypothesis 

Scope 

Significance of the Study 

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE  

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions From Authors/Experts 11 

Theoretical Perspectives 17 

Related Studies 20 

Three METHODOLOGY 

Research Design 

Research Population 

Sample Size  

Sampling Procedure 

Research Instrument 

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 

Data Gathering Procedures 

Data Analysis 

Ethical Considerations 

Limitations of the Study 

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 

OF DATA 

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 

References 

Appendices 

Findings 

Conclusions 

Recommendations 

Appendix I - Transmittal Letter 

Appendix II - Research Authorization 

Appendix III A - Research Instrument 

Appendix III B - Questionnaire 

Appendix IV - Transmittal letter for the Respondents 

Appendix V Informed consent 

Appendix VI- Researcher's Curriculum Vitae