Teachers’ Perceptions On Quality Assurance And Standards Officers Instructional Supervision In Public Primary Schools In Lambwe Division, Mbita District,kenya

Abstract

This study on teachers’ perceptions on quality assurance and standards officers instructional supervision in public primary schools in Lambwe Division, Mbita District, Kenya have been described. The study aimed to address the following objectives: to determine the perception of the teachers on the frequency of the QASOs supervision sections; to determine the perception of teachers and the level of preparedness of QASO in supervision of primary school teachers; to establish teachers’ perception on the extent to which QASO reports are implemented and to establish the extent to which QASO supervisory strategies have helped to improve teachers’ pedagogical skills. Descriptive survey design was used. The sample for the study was selected using simple random sampling technique. Twelve schools were selected that gave a total of twelve head teachers and eighty four teachers. Questionnaire was used to collect data from the teachers and interview guide for head teachers. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented using frequencies, percentages and charts. Content analysis of free response information was used to give substance to statistical. To determine the perception of teachers on the adequacy of QASO supervision sessions the researcher found out that supervision took place once or twice for the last two years and the respondents indicated that this was adequate. The finding reveal that teachers usually prepare professional documents / records such as schemes of work, lesson plans, lesson notes, records of work covered and pupils’ progress records. In determining perception of teachers and level of preparedness of QASOs in the supervision of primary school teachers, majority of respondents indicated that supervisors were organized and had well written guidelines for supervision. However, they did not have a well prepared timeframe. The findings also reveal that QASOs are competent for the assessment duty. On the implementation of the QASOs assessment reports, majority of teachers felt that supervision reports are always implemented, the reports help teachers to grow professionally, they also agreed that the comments written by QASOs on teachers observation sheets are encouraging and help teachers in diagnosing teaching problems. The QASOs should make follow-up visits after supervision. Based on the findings it was recommended that supervision should be well done with a view to help teachers improve in their teaching approaches hence supervision should be done by qualified personnel. It was also recommended that the QASOs should ensure that all teachers are seen during the supervision visits, in order to guide and advice teachers on how to help learners do better, hence improve quality of education. The inadequacy reported in some areas should be improved on. Impromptu and irregular visits should be reduced. QASOs should be well organized and have a well written timeframe within which to conduct supervision. The QASOs should be innovative and offer relevant comments that can help teachers during their teaching sessions. The head teachers and teachers should be encouraged to implement QASO reports in order to address areas of weaknesses and improve more on strengths so as to improve the quality of education in their respective schools.