Impact Of Teacher Absenteeism On Pupil Learning In Kigoma/Ujiji Municipality

ABSTRACT

The main focus of this study was to find out the impact of teacher absenteeism on pupils’ learning drawing inferences from Kigoma/Ujiji Municipal. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches in gathering, analyzing and presenting the data obtained from the field. Data collection methods employed in this study include questionnaires, interviews and documentary review. A sample of 69 respondents was drawn from the population of pupils, school academic masters, head teachers and the Municipal education officer. Findings of the study show that there are different causes of teacher absenteeism: such as health problems, economic constrains, absence of teachers residential houses, pregnancy and maternity leaves and teachers’ laziness. Also, various consequences of teacher absenteeism on pupil learning were revealed through the study, including poor academic performance, pupils completed Standard Seven education without knowing how to read and write, decline of pupil discipline and increased pupil absenteeism. Teachers also failed to accomplish their syllabi because of absenteeism. However, it was found that some measures have already been taken by the relevant authorities to reduce or completely end the habit of absenteeism among primary school teachers. Measures taken include warning letters, reporting the absenteeism cases to Teachers Service Departiment and getting fired from job. The study suggested different measures to end or reduce the problem of absenteeism among primary school teachers; these include building teachers residential houses, increasing salaries as well as taking legal action upon teachers with the habit of absenteeism. The study ends by recommending for the Government and society in general to find a solution against teacher absenteeism in order to have a society which is educated for their individual and national development.