In-Service Training On 3rs In Tanzania: The Case Of Mtuu-3rs Programme In Kitangali Tc

ABSTRACT

Problems existing in primary education demand for an in-service programme on 3Rs. The study aimed at investigating MTUU-3Rs in-service programme so as to get lessons that can be used for solving 3Rs problems. The MTUU-3Rs or ‗KKK‖ was an in-service training programme which started in the 1970s aiming at helping primary school teachers acquire skills in teaching basic literacy and numeracy. The research work involved examining the key characteristics of the programme, finding out its successes and challenges and then investigating the perception of participants over its effectiveness.

The study employed a case study design and used qualitative approach. The data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, documentary review and observation techniques. It involved 16 participants among whom 13 were primary school teachers and 3 were teacher educators. This sample was obtained through purposive and snowball sampling techniques.

The findings showed that the programme was beneficial in preparing primary school teachers to acquire and develop basic teaching literacy and numeracy skills. It was found that the success of this programme as a CPD was partly because it was characterised by practical and hands-on activities as major ways of facilitating the programme. Despite the strength shown, the study found that the programme was faced with lack of proper arrangement on motivating teachers to attend the programme. Thus, this study recommends that care should be taken when CPD programmes are run to consider the specific needs of stakeholders like teachers. Also, it is recommended that the 3Rs CPD be re-introduced and become included in pre-service and in other in-service training programmes.