Dissertation (MA Education)
This study aimed at exploring and authenticating the experience of incorporating soft skills in managing secondary schools in Tanzania. Ilala municipal in Dar es Salaam was used as a case study. The study had three objectives of exploring the conceptualization of soft skills among HoSS and teachers, strategies of developing soft skills and applicability of soft skills in managing secondary schools. This study employed mixed method research approach using exploratory sequential mixed method design. Moreover, the sample size of this study was 220 participants, made up with 5 HoSS, 5 board members, 10 SMTs and 200 teachers and through simple random and purposive sampling procedures; data were gathered through interview, questionnaires and FGD. As a final point, the qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis and quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS version 20 in order deliver plentiful vision from the participants. For the first objective, the study revealed HoSS understand the concept of soft skills with regard on two perspective management and technology. Further for the second objective, the study revealed that there are eight way of developing soft skills among HoSS and teachers such as trainings, participatory leadership, learning from others, division of labor, work environment, seminars, experiences and through interaction with others. Also, for the third objective study findings revealed that teachers are aware of soft skills such as involvement in decision making, communication skills, problem solving skills, influence team work, leadership skills, conflict management, time management skills, work ethics and adaptability but there is a problem in application of those skills in managing secondary schools. Therefore, based on the study findings HoSS are required to have and develop soft skills in addition to technical skills which will create favorable teaching and learning environment for both students and teachers which will lead to the achievement of educational goals and National Development Goal 2025