School labelling and its effects on students schooling: a case of selected special, ward and private schools in Tanzania

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Date

2024

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

IJESSR

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of school labelling specifically regarding special, ward, and private schools on students’ educational experiences. This study seeks to understand how perceptions associated with different school types influence students' motivation, self-esteem, and overall students’ academic performance. By examining the impact of these labels, the research aimed to provide insights that can inform educational policies and practices, ultimately promoting equity and improving student outcomes across various school settings. The study adopted purposive and simple randomly sampling techniques where a total of 80 respondents and 4 key informants from the study area were involved in the study. Basically, the study was qualitative in nature though quantitative approach was used to some extent. Questionnaire was used to collect requisite information to students and quantitative data were analysed by using descriptive statistics to determine frequency and percentage whereas qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. With regards to the specific objectives of this study, it was also revealed that in special schools both students and teachers are highly motivated to study and work, while in those schools labelled to be low, both students and teachers are demoralized to study and to work, these feelings in turn can have impact in the teaching and learning process of the students and teachers. Furthermore, it was found out that, special, seminary, and private schools have superior resources compared to local public schools, including a better student-to-book ratio and well-equipped laboratories. Libraries in private schools are stocked with a wide range of learning materials, and sports facilities are more readily available. On the basis of these findings, the study recommends that, Policy makers and School administrators, especially in the government secondary schools should ensure proper teacher motivational packages and their schools have enough desks and chairs both in the classrooms and libraries. Lastly, labelling of schools should be avoided as it demoralizes the stake holders even the parents don’t feel proud when their children are sent to study in inferior labelled schools.

Description

International Journal of Education and Social Science Research p no. 55-77

Keywords

Private schools, Public schools, Ward schools, Saint Kayumba schools, Special school, English medium schools

Citation

: https://doi.org/10.37500/IJESSR.2024.7604