Tanzania Education Policy on Discipline Management in Schools: Way Forward on Effective Implementation

Elkana Ntebi – St John’s University of Tanzania, Dodoma & Prof. Emmanuel D. Mbennah – Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania, Harare, Zimbabwe
*Corresponding Author: juniorntebi@gmail.com

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore strategies that could be used in the implementation of the Tanzania Education Policy on Discipline Management in Tanzania schools. In carrying out this study, mixed research approach was applied. Sampling was done using convenient, systematic and simple random sampling. Questionnaire and interview tools were used for collection of data. Analysis of data was done using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) and Atlas.Ti. Key findings of the study were that students were not being involved in the implementation of the policy and not educated about the policy and the necessary implementation strategies; teachers had not been given adequate training on the policy; parents were not being regularly updated about the progress of their children in schools and their behavior; teachers violated the stipulations of the corporal punishment policy and such teachers were not being punished; and school staff were not being involved in improving students’ behavior. It is recommended that government should be open to receive the support of various stakeholders so as to be able to scale-up a strong protection system that will enable ending the violence against children; the community in general and schools in particular should be empowered to be able to prevent all practices that jeopardize children’s rights; effective strategies and regulatory framework should be developed with a view to ending practices and approaches that compromise positive behavior management in learners. It is also recommended that government should launch a plan of action which focuses on ending all violence and harmful practices against children.