Secondary School Teachers’ Perception Of School Inspection In Zanzibar: A Case Of Mjini District

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the secondary school teachers’ perceptions towards school

inspection in Zanzibar focusing on Mjini District of Unguja as a case study. The

Scientific Management and Human Relation Theories guided the thinking of the

study. The study was qualitative in nature with descriptive research design. The

study involved seven secondary schools situated in Mjini District, Zanzibar. A total

number of 71 respondents were involved. Data collection methods included the use

of questionnaires, interviews and documentary review.

The study found that most of the secondary school teachers had positive perceptions

towards school inspection on improving the teaching and learning in secondary

schools. However, some of the school inspectors used harsh language when in

contact with teachers. It was also found that there was a shortage of school

inspectors, which hindered effective inspection in schools. The extended time for

working hours and the absence of some teachers during inspection days, lack of

cooperation between teachers and school inspectors during school inspection

affected the improvement of the teaching and learning. The findings indicated further

that the school inspectors faced with the challenges of inadequate transport, lack of

funds to support their school visits and lack of implementation of the given advice

and recommendations.

It is recommended that special training programs need to be conducted for the

teachers and school inspectors to improve their professional skills as well as

improving the school inspector-teacher relationship. The Ministry of Education and

the district education officers need to work on the school inspection report and

recommendations to improve the quality of education provided.