Pupils' Perceptions Of Relevance Of Primary School Science In Tanzania: A Case Of Selected Schools In Korogwe Town Council

ABSTRACT

This study explored pupils' perceptions on relevance of Science subject in primary

schools in Tanzania. The investigation was conducted in Korogwe Town. The study

was mainly conducted under the qualitative approach and to some extent supported

by the quantitative research approach. The Theory of Reasoned Action and research

questions were used to guide the current study. Beside the study was conducted in 5

public primary schools whereby 20 pupils (girls and boys) from each class that is

standard three, five and seven in each school were randomly selected and one

Science teacher from each of the involved school was purposively selected. Data

were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Information collected was

analyzed through content analysis for qualitative data and Statistical Package for

Social Science (SPSS) for quantitative data. This study revealed that the pupils

identified several aspects of the relevance of Science Subject in terms of Curriculum

content, Science textbooks, Teaching methodologies, and friendly school

environment for science studies such as practical works. Further the study

recommended that the Science departments in primary schools in collaboration with

the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training will plan on programs and

interventions that not only will show importance of Science in the National

development, but also will expose pupils to the possibilities of meaningful and

lucrative careers related to the identified Sciences.