Challenges Faced By Secondary School Teachers In Raising Girls Interest In Science Subjects In Lushoto District-Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study sought to investigate the challenges faced by secondary school teachers in raising girls‘ interest in science subjects from the selected schools in Lushoto District of Tanzania. The study used descriptive survey design which involved describing the current conditions or attitudes, that is, to descibe what exists at the moment. This study used triangulation method in collecting, analysing and intergrating qualitative and quantitative research in a single study. This study was guided by the Open System Theory developed by Ludwig Von Bertalanffy (1930s). Data for this study were collected through questionnaires, interviews focus group discussions and documentary review. A total number of respondents were fourty eight (48), among them were six (6) heads of schools, six (6) academic teachers, twelve (12) secondary schools teachers and twenty four (24) students. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis and quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. The findings of the study showed that shortage of science teachers, shortage of fund, inadequate teaching-learning materials, misconceptions that science subjects are difficult, shyness of most female students, weak foundation from primary schools are reasons for low interest. Problem with calculations to many girls, language of instruction and because there are few females who are role models are other challenges which faced by secondary school teachers in raising interest of female students in opting for science subjects. The study recommends that Lushoto and Bumbuli district councils should provide conducive teaching and learning environment. Also, the Government may declare all science subjects compulsory to all students in secondary schools.