Challenges Experienced by Teachers in Implementing the Pre-Primary Education in Zanzibar

Abstract

This study examined challenges experienced by teachers while implementing PPE in Zanzibar. The study employed qualitative methodology and a case study design. A total number of 18 respondents participated in the study where by nine were pre-primary school teachers, six were pre-primary school head teachers and three were quality assurance officers from the Ministry of Education. Data was collected by using a focus group discussion, semi structured interviews and documents. The study concluded that inadequate teaching and learning materials, low parental involvement, in-adequate training, shortage of qualified teachers, low parental economic status, shortage of play grounds, learners’ disciplinary and behavioral issues and overcrowded classrooms were key challenges encountered by teachers in the implementation of the PPE curriculum. The study recommends that government authorities that oversee PPE in Zanzibar should provide in-service training opportunities for teachers to be well prepared to handle the PPE more effectively. Relevant authorities should ensure construction of more classrooms to match with the enrollment ratios. Furthermore, there is a need to sensitize parents to get involved in their children’s school affairs for better outcomes to be realized.

Challenges in Enhancing Letter-Name Knowledge Acquisition for Public Pre-Primary Children in Shinyanga Region

“…Finland recruits the top third of each graduate cohort as school teachers (Ismail & Awang, 2017). The current study's findings are consistent with Ndijuye, Mligo, and Machumu (2020), Ali et al (2022) in Tanzania and Kamwitha and Ibrahim (2020) in Kenya on adequately trained teachers in ECE. In emphasis, Ntumi (2016) in Ghana found that most preschool teachers do not understand the early childhood curriculum as challenging.…”

“…According to Hayden and Blaya (2005), children at the margins may be taught by those at the margins of the profession. The pre-primary teachers also reported a lack of continuous professional development regarding teaching ECE, which concurs with Ali, Mligo and Nsolezi (2022). Cabell and Downer (2011) found teachers receiving a higher level of support had children who made more significant advances in language and literacy than teachers using simply a curriculum supplement.…”

“…These findings contradict what is stated in the Tanzania Pre-primary Curriculum, which states that the teacher-to-teacher ratio is supposed to be 1:25 (URT, 2016(URT, , 2023. Children in smaller classrooms gain more literacy skills by the end of preschool (Ali et al, 2022). Further, Ruggles (2003 found a relationship between class size and children's achievement.…”

Understanding How Home Conditions Shape Early Grade Learners Literacy Acquisition Skills: A Tanzanian Perspective

“…These findings concur with the findings by Epstein, (2011) which suggested that cooperation between teachers and parents was important because parents learnt from teachers and prepared conducive home environment for children to learn including home libraries, museums, and family resources. Ali et al [21] made a similar remark, stating that parentteacher collaboration is essential for enabling parents to be aware of their child's progress and critical needs that support learning and growth. Parents must work with teachers to encourage their children's development of reading and writing skills even while they are preoccupied with other activities.…”

“…Parents must work with teachers to encourage their children's development of reading and writing skills even while they are preoccupied with other activities. This can be achieved by taking part in parent-teacher meetings, where topics pertaining to children's learning to enhance their writing and reading abilities are discussed [21]. Additionally, according to Edward and Shukia [14], special meetings between teachers and parents allow for the discussion of matters pertaining to the growth of children's writing and reading abilities.…”