Dissertation (MA Education)
This study explored the contribution of drawing in enhancing young children‟s
communication in Pre-primary education in Tanzania. The study was conducted in
six public primary schools in Dodoma Municipality involving a total number of 63
participants composed of 14 teachers (one male and 13 female), 13 parents (three
male and 10 females) and 36 pre-primary school children (18 boys and 18 girls). The
study employed three sampling techniques; purposive sampling to obtain pre-primary
school teachers, snowballing for parents and simple random sampling to obtain preprimary
scholars. Furthermore, the study employed a phenomenological study design
through qualitative approach where semi-structured interview, observation and
documentary analysis were involved in data collection. The data were analysed based
on themes and resulted into the emergence of different sub-themes.
Data obtained through semi-structured interviews, participant observation and
documentary review provided an opportunity to understand that both learners and
teachers in pre-primary class use drawing as a strategy in facilitating learning to be
engaging and active. The study findings reveal as well that drawing is the best
medium of enhancing young children‟s communication and learning. The study
found that, drawing develops the young learners holistically. Importantly, the study
noted that teachers have a paramount role in enhancing young children‟s
communication through drawing. Despite the teachers‟ role in enhancing young
children‟s communication, factors such as lack of drawing materials and lack of
training in teaching in pre-primary classes were reported to be hindrances in
effective use of drawing in enhancement of young children communication and
learning. The study concludes that drawing is an effective means of enhancing young
children‟s communication skills and interaction in pre-primary classes. However,
parents and teachers are to be empowered on the value and use of drawing in young
children‟s development and learning. In addition, the government should invest in
pre-primary education by providing training to pre-primary school teachers and
employ professional teachers to teach in pre-primary classes. Lastly, it is
recommended that more research(s) be done in the area of drawing in pre-primary
education as it seems to be limited studies conducted in Tanzania