The Role of Heads of Departments in Enhancing The Quality of Education in Secondary Schools in Tanzania

Authors

Perpetua J. UrioFollow

Abstract

Heads of department are perceived as instructional leaders. This paper is based on a study that aimed to find out how heads of departments in Tanzanian secondary schools deal with their tasks in enhancing the quality of education, and the support accorded to them by the school administrative system in the performance of their duties. The study was conducted in Arusha and Coast regions, comprising a sample of 72 respondents from eight secondary schools. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires and documentary review. Data collected were subjected to content analysis and numerical data were summarized into tables. Findings revealed that, in the implementation of instructional programs, heads of department maintained quality and syllabus coverage by evaluating lesson plans, students’ lesson notes, logbooks, and schemes of work. They did not plan for subject clubs, debates and study tours as activities that could contribute to students’ understanding. Pertaining to the management of teachers, it was found out that heads of department had little ability to influence teachers’ professional development, motivation and conducting classroom observation as contributing factors to quality education. In regard to management of resources, the findings revealed that even though heads of department had the role of managing resources, the lack of departmental offices and adequate materials in their departments affected their ability to contribute to quality education. On support from administration, it was revealed that the administrative systems are not supportive to the extent that can make heads of department contribute optimally to the enhancement of quality education. Therefore, heads of department should be supported in terms of resources, role clarification, clear vision, recognition, and motivation. More importantly, they should be exposed to different professional development and training on how to lead departments so as to contribute more to the provision of quality education.

Recommended Citation

J. Urio, Perpetua (2012) "The Role of Heads of Departments in Enhancing The Quality of Education in Secondary Schools in Tanzania," Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences: Vol. 1 : No. 2 , Article 4.
Available at: https://doi.org/vlm1.2.7