The Impact Of Equip-Tanzania On Primary School Teachers’ Professional Capacity To Develop Teaching And Learning Materials: A Case Of Kongwa District

ABSTRACT 

This study was about the impact of Equip-Tanzania on primary school teachers’ professional development to develop teaching and learning materials in Kongwa District. The study was guided by four objectives: First, to explore teachers’ perceptions about professional development on preparation of teaching and learning materials in primary schools. Second, to identify opportunities for professional development under EQUIP-T on preparation of teaching and learning materials in primary schools. Third, to investigate the challenges of professional development under EQUIP-T on preparation of teaching and learning materials in primary schools. Fourth, to examine the measures that can improve professional development under EQUIP-T on preparation of teaching and learning materials in primary schools. The study employed a case study design, the mixed approach and cross-section research design. A total of 89 respondents were purposefully selected because they have insight and in-depth understanding of the topic of interest, from 22 schools found in 22 wards of Kongwa District. The respondents were: 44 primary school teachers, 22 heads of primary schools, 22 ward education coordinators and 1 district education officer; who were all purposefully selected. Data were collected through interviews, observation and questionnaires. The findings of the study revealed the following: poor planning of EQUIP-T and poor teaching/learning environment, the need for interaction between teachers, materials and other stake holders, the challenges facing EQUIP-T such as shortage of education materials, poor infrastructure, limited time of teaching, and poor management and coordination of the programme. The researcher suggests that the government should improve the professional development under EQUIP-T on preparation of teaching and learning materials in primary schools.