The Role Of Head Teachers In Monitoring Teaching And Learning: The Case Of Selected Private Primary Schools In Mtwara Municipal Council, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

The study intended to identify the role of Head Teachers (HT) in monitoring teaching and learning (TL) in private primary schools in Mtwara Municipal Council. The study was mainly qualitative and supported by some quantitative data. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and documentary review. The study used a crosssection design. Samples were drawn using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques that contained four private primary schools, MEO, 4 HT, 4 AT and 24 teachers. Data was analyzed by using SPSS Version 20.0. Results from the study revealed that HT in monitoring (TL) checked lesson plans, scheme of works and class journals reguraly as well as observed classroom T/L while the role of setting goals was practiced with few HT despite being reflected in school vision and mission. Moreover, HT were facing challenges such as being overloaded with monitoring of teaching and learning duties, parents always needed better results to their children as they paid high school fees and frequent teachers‟ turnover in the schools in monitoring T/L. Finally, the study provides suggestions on ways of alleviating challenges that include cooperation with parents on academic issues and government to assist grants for private schools to operate academic matters. The study recommends further that MoEVT should direct school owners in private schools not only to hire competent teachers but also should provide opportunities for professional development to HT. In line with this working environment should be improved.Recommendations for further studies were proposed. vi TABLE