The Role Of Teachers In Developing Caring Behaviour Among Pre-Primary School Pupils In Dodoma Municipality, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the roles of teachers in developing caring behavior among preprimary

school pupils. The information collected was based on the three research objectives

and questions. Multiple methods of data collection which include questionnaire, semistructured

interview, observational and documentation were employed to cross- validate and

to ensure reliability of information. The sample included 100 respondents. Findings reveal

that there was low level of understanding regarding the context of caring behaviour hence

much emphasize was given to teach how to write, read and arithmetic. Also there were

variations in the teaching methods used to develop caring behaviour to pre primary pupils.

Further, the teaching facilities/aids were inadequately found to support the teaching of

caring behaviour to pre-primary pupils, pre-primary teachers lacked qualifications to teach

pre-primary pupils, and there was little involvement of pre-primary pupils in activities that

would foster pro-social skills. The study reveals that it is the teacher‟s role to facilitate and

encourage caring behaviour, provide activities that foster appropriate skills, provide

necessary assistance and develop a social network that supports children in their efforts.

Hence, pre-primary teachers should use appropriate teaching methods including the use of

learner centered learning; participatory, practical and role play methods to facilitate

developing caring behaviour to pre-primary school pupils. Moreover, the promotion of

caring behaviour cannot be the sole responsibility of teachers; rather, all stakeholders

including primary school inspectors, pre-primary school education officers, and parents

should participate in promoting caring behaviour among pre primary school pupils. Further,

the teaching environment including teaching facilities/aids should be effectively provided

and used in order to promote caring behaviour among pre primary pupils as well as trained

teachers should be recruited to teach pre-primary pupils.