Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2018)

An Investigation of Performance in National English Language Examinations in Tanzania: A Curriculum Processes Perspective

https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v7i1.61
gastor mapunda,

Corresponding Author(s) : gastor mapunda,

mapundag@gmail.com

Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), Vol. 7 No. 1 (2018)

Abstract

This paper is a result of observations of teachers, employers and language researchers
that many Tanzanian students who are at the ordinary level of secondary education have
not been doing well in their national English language examinations. The results became
worse in the 2012 examinations. The current study focused on curricula processes, namely
syllabus preparation, teacher preparedness for handling syllabus demands, examination
processes, and how all these are coordinated. Using semi-structured interview,
questionnaire, and documentary review methods, the findings reveal that there are
inefficiencies when it comes to engaging some important stakeholders such as teachers,
parents, and learners. Additionally, the consulted teachers suggested that there is a
general unawareness among teachers of the pedagogical demands of the 2005 syllabus in
the classroom, and that there is a general deficiency in the number of good quality wellprepared teachers of English. The functions of curriculum developers, teachers and the
national examinations council are barely coordinated. The paper recommends that there
be established an oversight unit in the Ministry responsible for education to coordinate
the functions of these actors.

Keywords

Tanzania examinations English language performance secondary education
An Investigation of Performance in National English Language Examinations in Tanzania: A Curriculum Processes Perspective. (2020). Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), 7(1). https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v7i1.61
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An Investigation of Performance in National English Language Examinations in Tanzania: A Curriculum Processes Perspective. (2020). Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), 7(1). https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v7i1.61
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