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Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Teacher’s Invitations with Parental Involvement Practices in Tanzanian Primary Schools.
Get PDFThis study explored the role of transformational leadership in enhancing parental involvement through teachers' invitations in Mbeya city council primary schools in
Tanzanian. The objectives included assessing the level of transformational leadership among school administrators, evaluating parental responses to teachers' invitations,
and analyzing how transformational leadership influences the nature and frequency of these invitations. A quantitative approach was adopted, using a cross-sectional descriptive research design. The study involved 240 randomly selected participants, with data analyzed through correlational and multilevel regression analyses. Findings highlighted that parental collaboration is a key factor in transformational leadership among school administrators (Pillai’s Trace = .733, F = 148.902, p < .001, η² = .733). Increased collaboration and involvement significantly contribute to shared decision making between parents and school administrators. Additionally, the strongest correlation was found between Parental Collaboration and Parental Admin
Commitment (r = 0.881), indicating that greater collaboration enhances parental commitment to school administration. Based on these findings, the study
recommends schools prioritize parental involvement through awareness campaigns, workshops, and informational sessions to foster stronger collaboration between parents and school administrators.
Keywords: Transformation leadership, parental involvement, teacher’s invitation, collaboration, participation
Assessment of Student Teachers’ Perceptions on the Effectiveness of Teaching Practice in Selected Host Secondary Schools in Rombo District, Tanzania.
No full textThis study examined student teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of teaching practice in secondary schools in Rombo District, Tanzania. It aimed to address three key research questions: examining student teachers' views on feedback from tutors, exploring the professional support provided by in-service teachers, and identifying challenges faced by student teachers during teaching practice. A convergent design with a mixed-methods approach was employed, utilising purposive and stratified random sampling to select 170 participants, including 140 student teachers, 15 school heads, and 15 academic teachers. Data collection methods included questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that student teachers regarded feedback from tutors as instrumental in developing their professional competencies, with constructive criticism and guidance helping to enhance their teaching skills. The study found that in-service teachers significantly support student teachers by providing practical insights, strategies, and mentorship that enhance skill development. However, challenges such as accommodation issues, limited time, inadequate supervision, and poor program planning negatively impact the teaching practice. The study highlights the importance of feedback from lecturers and mentorship from in-service teachers in developing student teachers' professional skills. However, it notes that logistical issues, insufficient supervision, and poor program planning significantly hinder the effectiveness of teaching practice.
Keywords: Teaching Practice, Student Teachers, Perceptions, Teachers, Supervisio
Factors Influencing Citizen Participation in Mitaa Meetings in Tanzania: Experience from Ubungo Municipal Council.
No full textThe main objective of the study was to explore the factors influencing citizen participation in Mitaa meetings in Ubungo Municipal Council, Tanzania. The specific objectives of the study were to examine citizens' perceptions of Mitaa meetings, shed light on the reasons behind low citizen participation, and identify efforts in place to improve citizen participation in Mitaa meetings. The study was informed and guided by
the theory A Ladder of Citizen Participation, proposed by Sherry Phyllis Arnstein in 1969. Among other insights, this theory outlines eight levels of citizen participation and
highlights the challenges citizens face in achieving meaningful involvement in public affairs that affect them.
This was a qualitative study, with data collected from 70 respondents through document reviews and in-depth, face-to-face interviews conducted in 5 out of 14 wards and 10 out
of 90 Mitaa in Ubungo Municipal Council. The findings indicated that Mitaa meetings are important organs for the democratic participation of citizens in decision-making;
therefore, citizens support their continuation within Tanzania's local government system. However, while they endorse the meetings, citizens also highlighted areas needing
improvement for greater effectiveness. The study identified several reasons for low citizen participation in Mitaa meetings, categorized primarily into two groups: factors
related to citizens and those related to Mtaa leadership. These reasons include citizens prioritizing personal interests over community interests, low levels of civic education,
irresponsibility among Mtaa leaders, a lack of capacity to influence citizens, exclusion of citizens from agenda formulation, poor transparency and accountability, and the
limited powers and authority of Mitaa meetings. On the other hand, the study also identified several efforts currently in place to enhance citizen participation, such as using social media, arts and entertainment, sending bulk SMS messages, dividing Mitaa into smaller segments (zones), engaging influential leaders at the household level, and utilizing religious networks. However, these efforts have not yet yielded the expected results. Given the unsatisfactory outcomes of the efforts applied, the study recommends
amending the Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act, Chapter 288, to grant more powers to Mitaa meetings; allocating budgets for the organization of Mitaa meetings; building the capacity of Mtaa leaders; and formally recognizing Mtaa leaders as public servants.
Keywords: Local government, Citizen participation, Citizen perception, Mitaa meetings, Decision-making
Assessing the Factors Affecting Loan Repayment among Members of Village Community Banks (VICOBA): A Case of Ubungo Municipality.
No full textThis study investigated the factors affecting loan repayment within Village Community Banks (VICOBA) in Ubungo Municipality, Tanzania. The study was motivated by the alarming default rates that persist despite the regulatory measures introduced by the Microfinance Act of 2018. The motivation for this research was based on the need to understand the underlying factors contributing to these high
default rates, which threaten the sustainability of community-based financial systems. A significant research gap exists in the literature regarding the specific influences on loan repayment behaviours in this context, particularly in relation to individual, group, and sociocultural factors. To achieve main objective, the study aimed to fulfil several specific objectives which sought to examine individual factors, such as borrowers' attitudes and social ties, affecting loan repayment; (ii) evaluate group factors, including meeting frequency and compliance with group rules; and (iii) investigate sociocultural influences, such as household consumption patterns and educational levels. Grounded in the Grameen Bank Theory, which emphasizes the importance of social networks and community engagement in microfinance, the study adopted a quantitative research design. Data were collected
from 240 VICOBA members via structured questionnaires, achieving a response rate of 98.3%. The findings revealed that individual factors, particularly strong social ties and a sense of moral obligation, significantly enhance loan repayment commitment, with 91.1% of participants recognizing the importance of these social connections. Group dynamics also emerged as crucial, with regular meetings and adherence to group rules positively influencing repayment behaviour. Sociocultural factors, while relevant, demonstrated a weaker correlation with repayment commitment compared to individual and group influences. The study highlighted financial knowledge and personal accountability to be vital at improving financial literacy among VICOBA members, fostering stronger group cohesion, and adapting loan terms to better align
with members' circumstances. Recommendations for policymakers included ensuring robust group dynamics during VICOBA registration processes and enhancing regulatory frameworks to support sustainable lending practices. Practitioners should
focus on effective communication of group rules and provide training to improve record-keeping and financial management skills.
Keywords: Factors, Loan Repayment, Village Community Bank
An Analysis of WhatsApp Smiley Emoji Usage and Interpretation among ST. Augustine University Students in Mwanza, Tanzania.
No full textThis study examines the analysis and interpretation of emojis used in WhatsApp text messages among students at St. Augustine University in Tanzania. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a universal understanding of emoji usage.
Since University students are digital natives and keen on using emojis frequently to express themselves emotionally in their digital communication, such as WhatsApp Messenger. The study aimed in identifying the most common WhatsApp smiley
emoji used by St. Augustine University students, establish diverse interpretations of WhatsApp smiley emoji among St. Augustine University students, examine the influence of WhatsApp smiley emoji usage on communication patterns and social interactions among St. Augustine University students and identifying challenges encountered by SAUT students when using WhatsApp smiley emoji‘s. Symbolic interactionism and Semiotic theory are used to analyze patterns of communication,
interpretation, and adjustment between individuals in society. These theories have a framework for understanding how individuals interact with each other and within society through the meanings of symbols. Mixed research approach used with sequential explanatory design so as to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the research problem. Purposive and simple random sampling was used to get the total number of 153 students, whereby 121 students were given a questionnaire, and the remaining 32 were grouped into four groups, each group containing eight students for focus group discussion. Data were analyzed by using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis. The findings indicated that there is plenty of meaning interpretation for each emoji smiley. Out of the examined smileys used as the variable in this research, only seven smileys which are Love, kiss, lying, drooling, sleepy, crying, delicious, were interpreted similarly by all the respondents (100%), whereas the rest was interpreted
differently according to their understandings of the smileys' meaning. Nevertheless, some smileys are not yet well understood by the users of their intended meaning,
causing them to interpret the smileys based on their perception and understanding. The lowest percentages of correct interpretations (lesser than 50%) are mostly the
smileys that has same intended meaning as other common smileys but has different visual expressions such as zipper face, hushed face, cold sweat, smiling face with halo, screaming with fear, unamused, flushed face, disappointed face, confounded face, fearful face, hugging face, teasing face, rolling eyes face, expressionless face, frowning face with open mouth, pouting face that looks like kissing, and worried
face. It is recommended to incorporate Emoji Studies into Digital Communication and Media Curricula, as emojis are now a fundamental part of digital communication. Academic institutions, especially media and communication schools, should integrate emoji interpretation into their curriculum. This will help students develop critical digital literacy skills, equipping them to analyse emoji use in various
professional, academic, and social contexts. Also, WhatsApp Messenger should introduce a built-in guide or emoji glossary
within the application that provides users with official definitions of each emoji as intended by its developers. This feature should be easily accessible in the chat interface, allowing users to tap and view the meaning of an emoji before using it.
Key terms: WhatsApp, Smiley Emoji, Usage and Interpretation, St. Augustine University student
Assessment of School Related Factors Influencing Boys‟ Dropout in Day Public Secondary Schools in Tanzania: A Case of Kibaha Town Council.
No full textThe study aimed at assessing the school-related factors influencing secondary school boys‟ dropout in Tanzania. It was guided by three specific objectives: to analyse the
effect school-related factors; to determine the measures for mitigating school-related factors; and to examine the challenges of mitigating the measures of school-related
factors influencing secondary school dropout in Kibaha Town Council. The study used pragmatism as a research philosophy through which mixed research approaches were used. The study used sequential exploratory design and questionnaires,
interview and documentary review to collect data. The study used the sample size of 240 respondents selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The study revealed that, the effect of school-related factors constituted long distance walking to school and poor students‟ academic performance; the measures for mitigating school related factors which comprised of identifying students who are at risk of dropping out of school; and, the challenge factor was lack of financial resources. It is recommended that public secondary schools to enhance teacher student relationship; invest in students‟ hostels; It is recommended that further studies be carried-out in other councils to establish other factors, if any. The study concludes that the effect of school-related factors influencing boys‟ dropout is due to long distance walking to school, and poor students‟ academic performance; the measures for mitigating include identifying students at risk of dropping out of school
and the government collaboration with the private sector for added resources and the expertise.
Keywords: school related factors, school dropout, public secondary school, day school
Assessment of the Role of Water User Associations’ Leadership on the Sustainability of Water Resources in Mara Catchment Area, Tanzania.
No full textThis study evaluated the impact of leadership within water user associations (WUAs) on the sustainability of water resources in the Mara watershed area. A positivist
mindset and explanatory research design were employed utilizing a quantitative technique. A sample size of 218 respondents was acquired using simple random sampling among Water User Association leaders and water users, with data collected via questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. Additionally, linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between the variables. The findings indicated that capacity building and training programs were advantageous for water users in managing water resources. Consequently, capacity building and training initiatives have led to the mitigation of costs and disputes that have arisen. The findings indicated that WUA leaders successfully replicated their conflict resolution skills by addressing disputes among farmers, handling physical
altercations over water usage, and preventing vandalism related to water use in the catchment region. Furthermore, the findings revealed that engagement and participation of WUAs leaders have been fruitful as WUAs leaders were able to understand issues on climate change and its impacts, participated in knowledge provision to water users, engaged in participatory processes in water conservation and involved in accountability activities. It was concluded that proper management of water resources is vital to all parties in the catchment area. It is recommended that Mara basin management needs to improve and support WUAs leaders’ engagement
and participation towards sustaining water resources in the area.
Keywords: Water user associations; Leadership; Sustainability of water resources; Mara catchment are
Role of Public Relations Strategies in Corporate Visibility of Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania.
No full textHigher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania face challenges in enhancing corporate visibility despite employing various public relations strategies. A limited
understanding of the effectiveness of public relations strategies raises concerns about their implementation and impact. This study assessed role of public relations
strategies in corporate visibility of the higher learning institutions in Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed to identify public relations strategies deployed in these
institutions, analyse their implementation and assess the strategic public relations approaches‟ contribution on corporate visibility. A qualitative research approach,
grounded in constructivist philosophical assumptions, was employed. Data were collected from 26 key informants from 8 HLIs and the Tanzania Commission for Higher Learning Institutions (TCU) through in-depth interviews and analysed
thematically. Another source of data was a review of 14 relevant documents. The findings revealed that HLIs utilise public relations strategies, including public events
and corporate uniqueness, to enhance their visibility. Effective implementation of these strategies requires collaboration with other institutional units and media
engagement. Building stakeholders‟ confidence also emerged as a crucial mechanism through which strategic public relations approaches enhance corporate visibility of HLIs in Tanzania. The study concludes that public relations strategies alone are insufficient; targeted interventions and strategic investments must complement them. It recommends further research on optimising the deployment of public relations strategies for improved corporate visibility.
Keywords: public relations, public relations strategies, corporate visibility, higher learning institutions, Tanzani
Athari za Makosa yatokanayo na Fonolojia ya Kigogo katika Semantiki ya Kiswahili Sanifu: Mifano kutoka kwa Wazungumzaji wa Kigogo.
No full textUtafiti huu ulichunguza Athari za Makosa yatokanayo na Fonolojia ya Kigogo katika Semantiki ya Kiswahili Sanifu: Mifano kutoka kwa Wazungumzaji wa Kigogo. Utafiti ulifanyika katika shule mbili za kata ya Matongoro wilayani Kongwa. Data za utafiti zilikusanywa kwa mbinu ya ushuhudiaji shirikishi na dodoso. Sampuli ya utafiti iliteuliwa kwa kutumia mbinu ya usampulishaji lengwa. Data za utafiti zilichanganuliwa kwa mkabala wa kimaelezo kwa kuongozwa na nadharia ya uchanganuzi makosa iliyoasisiwa na Corder 1967. Matokeo ya utafiti huu yalibaini makosa mbalimbali ya kifonolojia. Makosa hayo ni pamoja na; ubadilishaji wa sauti, udondoshaji wa sauti na uchopekaji wa sauti. Athari za makosa hayo katika maana za maneno ya Kiswahili sanifu zilikuwa ni pamoja na; upotoshaji wa maana, kubadili maana na kukwamisha mawasiliano. Mbinu zilizopendekezwa kutumika ili kuepuka makosa hayo zilikuwa ni; Kuwahamasisha wanafunzi kuzungumza lugha ya Kiswahili muda wote wakiwa katika mazingira ya shule, somo la Kiswahili kufundishwa na walimu mahiri wa lugha ya Kiswahili, wazazi na walezi kuhamasishwa kuzungumza na watoto wao lugha ya Kiswahili katika mazingira ya nyumbani, wanafunzi wapewe nafasi na muda wa kutosha kuzungumza lugha ya Kiswahili shuleni na wanafunzi wanaojitahidi kufanya vizuri katika kuzungumza Kiswahili wapewe zawadi ili iwe motisha kwa wenzao
An Analysis Of Newspapers' Role In Raising Public Awareness About Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Of Habari Leo and Mwananchi.
No full textThis study assessed the role of newspapers in raising awareness on sustainable development goals using Habari Leo and Mwananchi. The study utilized a mixed research approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods, to investigate three specific objectives: firstly, to examine the extent to which Habari Leo and Mwananchi covered Sustainable Development Goals, secondly, to identify themes covered by Habari Leo and Mwananchi newspapers about of Sustainable Development Goals and lastly to explore the readers’ perception on Habari Leo and Mwananchi regarding to Sustainable Development Goals coverage. The results indicated that in 2020, Habari Leo and Mwananchi produced a total of 647 news articles and 337 photos related to the Sustainable Development Goals. The articles addressed societal concerns, resulting in targets for Goals 2: Zero Hunger, 3: Good Health and Well-being, 4: Quality Education, and 5: Gender Equality are receiving the most attention in positive, neutral, and negative news tones. Goal 1: No Poverty, Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Goal 10: Reduced Inequality, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13: Climate Action, Goal 15: Life on Land Goal 16: Peace and Justice, Strong Institutions got subpar coverage, while goals Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and Goal 14: Life Below Water received no coverage in the two publications. The study examined four SDGs news themes, and the results showed that out of 637 news items, 424 (54%) were about information, 163 (23%) focused on implementation, 46 (below average) on news analysis, and 12 (2%) on project evaluation, which is insufficient coverage. The results indicate that 60% of respondents see the overall coverage as ordinary, while 40% consider it below average. All participants want to see more media coverage of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study recommended that Tanzanian media should enhance coverage of all objectives and provide informed news, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation to comprehend successes and facilitate the attainment of the SDGs by 2030.
Keywords: Newspapers, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Awarenes