Factors Constraining Purchasing of Teaching and Learning Materials in Public Primary Schools in Dar Es Salaam-Tanzania

Abstract

Despite the importance for enhancing teaching and learning materials in public schools, its vital role has been limited by number of constraints. This study explores factors constraints the purchases of teaching and learning materials. Specifically, it ascertained the availability, constraints and consequences of teaching and learning materials in public primary schools in Dar es Salaam-Ilala, Tanzania. A qualitative case study design was adopted and data were collected using in-depth interviews, open-ended questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and documentary review based on the judgmental sample size of 56 respondents. Thematic data analysis strategy was adopted and data were analyzed using MAXQDA 20 software after being obtained through the use of content analysis. Findings showed that printing such as computers, textbooks and printing papers as well as non-printing materials such as library, mathematics kits and chalkboard are the main materials used in primary schools. Also, the study identified constraints for their availability which include lack of fund, lack of budget allocation, poor procurement planning, inadequate government support, high cost learning materials, and poor equity of materials distribution and supply. Then, the consequences of the constraints led to poor students’ performance, lack of confidence among the teachers and students, lack of motivation among the teachers and students, poor schools’ attendance, reduced competence, poor coverage of curricula or topic, difficult in classroom management as well as increases teaching loads to the teachers. We recommend that, in order to improve purchases of teaching and learning materials, the government update its procurement planning, reviewing the policy and distribution strategies of educational materials, allocation of sufficient budget, investment and raise awareness on the progress of educational facilities by installing current technology instruments as well as development of infrastructures in public primary schools. Therefore, quality of education will be improved after adhering to the stated recommendations.