The role of head teacher in supporting teachers to facilitate academic transition of learners from primary to secondary school

Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

First Supervisor/Advisor

Dr. Ruth Otieno

Second Supervisor/Advisor

Dr. Mweru Mwingi

Department

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Abstract

Transition of learners from primary to secondary school is a very crucial moment to the learners because lays the foundation to secondary school life. Learners struggle during the transition due to academic and social challenges which face them. For smooth transition, learners need support from both teachers and the head teacher. This study therefore, sought to investigate ‘the role of the head teacher in supporting teachers to facilitate the academic transition of learners from primary to secondary school’. The study employed a qualitative case study design and data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, observation and document analysis. The research participants were the head teacher, academic head teacher, three HODs, form one subjects teachers and twenty four students. The study found that, during transition learners face numerous challenges. However, language used for teaching and learning was identified as a big challenge; other challenges included teachers and quality of teaching and social and economic factor. The head teacher viewed his role as a supportive one to both teachers and students, in terms of provision of resources, facilitating learners’ acquisition of language skills, and student advisory services. The study also found that support received from head teacher to facilitate the academic transition of learners are provision of resources, guidance for teachers and students support programmes. These programmes included debate clubs, school assembly and English speaking school initiative.

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