Socio Economic Status of Parents and Truancy Among Students in Seco Dary Schools in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT The study was carried out to investigate socio-economic status of parents and truancy among students in Mpwapwa district, Tanzania with the following objectives: To determine the profile of respondents; to determine the level of; Parents’ SES; students’ truancy in secondary schools; and examine relationships between the two variables. The study utilized descriptive survey research design, in particular descriptive correlation. Random sampling was used to select a sample size of 275 respondents. Data was collected through questionnaire and analyzed by using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, descriptive statistics; mean, percentage, and frequency presented in tables. The findings of the study revealed that most of the respondents were in adolescent stage (13-20 years). Concerning parents’ educational qualification, majority of parents possessed primary levei certificate with mean of 3.86, interpreted as very high. Also, majority of parents’ SES were low. The researcher concluded that the null hypothesis which was stating the no significant relationship between parents’ SES and students’ Truancy in Secondary Schools in Mpwapwa District has been rejected. Operant Conditioning by B F Skinner has been upheld due to the findings ‘round out that children born in low SES families found them self operating in less motivated families to education hence their behavior of loving schooling become weakened. The recommendations that arose as ~ result of the study: Government should sensitize parents on the other alternatives to economic activities rather than agriculture which are threat to semi desert areas like Mpwapwa. Class teachers need to be trained in identifying causes of truancy at school level. Lunch meals should be provided to students in secondary schools as was done when they were in primary schools.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

preliminaries

Declaration A

Declaration B ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Abstract v

List of tables viii

List of Figures ix

Chapter Page

One THE PROBLEMANDITSSCOPE 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the problem 3

Purpose of the Study 4

Research Objectives 4

Research questions 5

Hypothesis 6

Scope 6

Significance of the study 7

Operational Definitions of Key terms 7

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 8

Concepts, opinion! ideas from authors! experts 8

Theoretical perspectives 26

Related Studies 27

Three METHODOLOGY 32

Research design 32

Research population 32

vi

Sample size 32

Sampling procedures 33

Research Instrument 34

Validity And Reliability Of Instruments 34

Data gathering procedure 34

Data Analysis 34

Ethical Considerations 35

Limitation of the Study 36

Four DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 37

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 45

Findings 45

Conclusion 46

Recommendations 47

References 49

Appendices 54

Appendix 1: Transmittal Letter 54

Appendix II: Clearance from Ethics Committee 54

Appendix Ill: Acceptance Letter 56

Appendix IV: Research Instruments 57

Apendix V: Sample Size Determination 60

Appendix VII: Scores For The Average Truancy From

Various Schools 65

ResearcherTs Curriculum Vitae V 63