Factors influencing truancy in community based secondary schools. A case study of Mbulu district

Dohho, Martin A. (2015) Factors influencing truancy in community based secondary schools. A case study of Mbulu district. Masters thesis, The Open University Of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study examined factors which influence truancy in community based secondary schools, a case of Mbulu district. The idea behind this study was to find out the causes of truancy among students in the district. Research objectives were developed to help explore factors that manipulate truancy in community secondary schools. These objectives were used as a reference to make decision on research approach and data collection methods. Qualitative research approach was therefore identified due to its strength on studies of this nature. Data collection methods included interviews, focus group discussion, observation and documentary review. The findings showed that there were number of reasons for students’ truancy in community based secondary schools in Mbulu district. The reasons are complex as they were composed of many factors that make students not to sustain attending schools regularly. However, through deep analysis of field data, several interrelated factors were revealed. These include peer group and globalization which were more evident with students who are in adolescent age. Other factors include household poverty for students coming from economically disadvantaged families and corporal punishment that influence truancy in schools. Therefore, if the problem of truancy will not be solved immediately as well as education policies not implemented as required, the strategic role of secondary education to each individual in the district to realize socio-economic development will be affected. The researcher makes several recommendations including the government to build hostels and subsidizing other educational cost to motivate students from economically disadvantaged families to maintain regular school attendances

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