The Impact of Teachers' Misconduct On Learners' Performance in Primary Schools in Moshono Division Arusha Tanzania

ABSTRACT This study was conduct from December 2008 to February 2009 in Moshono, Arusha region Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to assess various misconducts that teachers committed in the execution of their duties and their impact on the learners performance in Moshono division in Arusha region Tanzania. The study used an explanatory cross section design whereby data was collected through structured questionnaires with open and closed ended questions. The objectives if this study was to find out what types of misconduct frequently occur in both rural and urban areas, to examine the rate of teachers-pupils sexual relations, to find out whether all primary school teachers have enough knowledge on professional code of conduct and to find the actions so far taken by the government to teachers who have committed to such misconduct. A total of 140 respondents were involved. The data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), descriptive statistics such as frequency; mean percentage and tabulation were used to summarize the information. According to the findings, the forms of misconduct done by teachers were over canning, pinch, slap, verbal abuse of pupils and abscond from duty, do not mark pupil's work as well as sexual relationship with pupils which retarded pupil's academic performance and body torture due to corporal punishment. Therefore, in order to avoid such situations teachers should develop and maintain a professional code of conduct. In addition to that the division education officers should ensure that they make regular visits to schools to fall up the teachers conduct through their immediate leaders, Head teachers, School committee, representatives and pupils. However good co-operation which was given by pupils, teachers and officials have made the work of compiling this report to be easy and reliable to the entire user of the research.