Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Education (MEd)
First Advisor
Patrick Ojok
Department
Institute for Educational Development, East Africa
Abstract
This study explored the experiences of junior secondary school teachers teaching subjects beyond their areas of specialization in Kilifi County, Kenya. Using a qualitative case study approach, data was collected from five teachers and three headteachers across three schools through interviews, observation, and document analysis. The findings revealed several challenges faced by teachers, including limited content knowledge, lack of experienced mentors, and insufficient pedagogical training. As a result, teachers struggled to effectively teach unfamiliar subjects, often resorting to superficial teaching. This negatively impacted the quality of education provided to students. Despite the difficulties, teachers devised adaptive strategies such as using mobile phones and online resources to supplement their knowledge, dedicating more time to lesson planning, and consulting with peers through learning communities. Headteachers also sought to support teachers through collaborating with primary school teachers and external institutions, as well as providing resources where possible given financial constraints. However, the implementation of headteacher strategies by teachers was inconsistent due to inadequate follow-up. The study concluded that teaching outside one's specialization presented notable obstacles for teachers that compromised the learning process. While teachers demonstrated resourcefulness and commitment, ongoing challenges underscored the need for targeted interventions. Recommendations included balancing teacher deployment, improving access to ICT, revising teacher training curricula, prioritizing in-service training, and facilitating collaboration between secondary and JSS teachers. Finally, the findings provided valuable insights into supporting teachers tasked with teaching beyond their areas of specialization under Kenya's Competency-Based Curriculum reforms.
First Page
1
Last Page
85
Recommended Citation
Kisangau, C. K.
(2024). Exploring junior secondary school teachers’ experiences in teaching subjects outside their Subjects specialization - a case study of selected schools in Chonyi sub-county, Kilifi- Kenya.. , 1-85.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/etd_tz_ied_m-ed/489