Dissertation (MA Education)
This study intended to investigate the strategies used by heads of schools in enhancing teachers’ commitment in public secondary schools. The study had three specific objectives which were: to examine the specific activities done by heads of schools in enhancing the teachers’ commitment, to identify the challenges faced by heads of schools when enhancing the teachers’ commitment, and to determine the outcome of enhancing the teachers’ commitment.
The research was conducted at Masasi district in Mtwara region of Tanzania. The study employed a descriptive case study design. It also employed a qualitative research approach whereby 20 participants took part whereby 10 were teachers, 5 heads of schools and 5 ward education officers. The participants were selected through a purposive sampling technique, whereby the criteria were based on gender, age, teaching experiences and education qualifications. The theory X and theory Y underpinned this study. The data were collected through interview, focused group discussion and documentary review. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the obtained data in which themes were created from the participants’ views and opinions. The findings of this study revealed that rewarding teachers, creation of conducive working environment, giving support to the teachers, delegating powers to teachers, and involving teachers in decision-making were strategies used by heads of schools in enhancing teachers’ commitment. Also, it was found that the heads of schools were facing inadequate financial resources, political interference, poor welfare of teachers, lack of management skills, and poor communication between teachers.
Furthermore, it was revealed that enhancing the teachers’ commitment can lead to the improvement of learning outcomes, promotion of the teaching profession and promotion of the teaching performance. It was concluded that, the heads of schools had significant strategies to use in enhancing the teachers’ commitment in the public secondary schools. Basing on these findings, the study recommends that the government should provide relevant knowledge and skills relating to school management to the heads of schools, it should finance its schools so as to meet the intended plans and goals, frequent seminars and workshops should be provided to the heads of schools so as to improve their creativity in managing the schools.