The Influence of Conflicts on Learning Process in Public Secondary Schools in Misungwi District, Tanzania
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Abstract
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The aim of this study was to examine the influence of conflicts on learning process in
public secondary schools in Misungwi District, Tanzania. It is the interest of the
researcher to identify types of conflicts in schools, their causes, effects on the learning
process and establish approaches to solve conflicts. The researcher employed mixed
research approach and the cross-sectional survey design through out of this work. Five
schools were selected with a sample of 116 respondents and were selected using simple
random and purposive sampling. The data was obtained through questionnaires and
interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in form of
frequency counts and percentages. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
version 20 software was used in the analysis while the qualitative data was thematically
analyzed. The results showed that conflicts among teachers and students mostly occur in
selected public secondary schools. Further, teacher-heads, teacher-parent, teacher employer and personal conflicts were realized. Considering the causes of conflicts, it was
found that poor teaching and learning environment, power struggle, personality
differences, unmet expectations, the gossips, the use of abusive language and poor
communication were the causes of the most conflicts. The results showed that if conflicts
well resolved, can affect the learning process positively. These include: improving
quality of decision making, build up coordination, bring awareness and search for ways
to solve problems. Besides, conflict can result to stress and psychological withdrawal,
weaken school and administrative work and lead to poor school attendance which affects
learning process negatively. This study suggests the view that avoiding, accommodating,
competing, collaborating and compromising should be put in place to solve conflicts in
schools. Furthermore, communication links and conflict resolution skills are potential to
solve conflicts effectively. Further, the researcher recommends that the Ministry of
Education (MoE) and Teachers Service Commission (TSC) conduct regular management
training seminars to educate teachers and students on the variety of conflict management
strategies. It is also recommended the need to limit personal matters in schools as these
stimulate conflicts.
Keywords
Conflicts