Dissertation (MA Education)
This study addressed the question of how Teacher Resource Centres are used as a
strategy to create a community of learners among teachers in North Unguja Region.
Creating a community of learners among teachers is understood to be a promising
strategy towards teacher professional development. The study has been triggered by
concerns on underutilisation of the facility on one side and extremely demand of
TRCs on the other part.
The study employed a case study design for its focus on a unit of TRCs and
qualitative approach on the basis of research questions. A total of 45 respondents
were purposefully selected as a sample and consisted of 2 TRC coordinators, 2
subject panels‟ members from sciences and arts. In addition, 4 head teachers, 37
subject teachers were randomly selected. Data was collected through interview,
observation and documentary review.
Findings of the study revealed that TRCs play significant role in creating community
of learners among teachers and also they act as a strategy for teachers‟ professional
development; TRCs provide a range of services such as in-service programmes,
library services, and as the place of meetings to discuss teacher education issues and
other academic matters. The study also indicates that TRC services are accompanied
with interaction between teachers, materials and TRC staffs. Further, the study
findings brought to light challenges facing TRCs in creating community of learners
among teachers and in teachers‟ professional development such as shortage of
education materials, lack of personnel. In view of the findings, it is concluded that for
TRCs to effectively function as a facility of creating community of learners and at the
same time enhances professional development, resources have to come to the front
and centre.