The Influence Of Education Stakeholders On Secondary School Students’ Enrollment In Science Subjects: A Case Study Of Dodoma Municipality In Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study focused on the influence of education stakeholders on secondary school

students‟ enrollment in science subjects. Specifically, the study aimed to examining

stakeholder‟s views on the decline of students‟ enrollment in science subjects, to

find out if there was school-parent cooperation in encouraging students‟ enrollment

in science subjects and to propose possible strategies for increasing students‟

enrollment in science subjects in ordinary secondary schools. The study employed

mainly qualitative approach with some elements of quantitative approach with

cross-sectional survey design. A total of 73 respondents were involved in the study.

Open-ended questionnaire, closed-ended questionnaire and semi structured

interviews were used for data collection.

The findings from the study indicate that selection of science subjects is not from

students‟ own interests but majority of students are influenced by the school

administrations while few students are influenced by parents, relatives and peers in

selecting subjects combinations. Also, the study found that higher cost of learning

materials including books, shortage of science teachers, absence of libraries and

laboratory facilities were the main reasons for lack of interest in students to opt for

science subjects.

The study concluded that students‟ interest in sciences would be raised by equipping

schools with laboratories, science teaching and learning materials and competent

teachers. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training

should make sure that there are adequate educational facilities and resources (both

human and financial resources) in ordinary level secondary schools.