Agency for the Development of Educational Management in-Service Training Program of Secondary School Heads in Enhancing Communication Skills for Human Relations in Tarime District, Tanzania

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate how Agency for the Development of Educational Management (ADEM) in-service training program enhances communication skills for human relations skills of Public Secondary school heads in Tarime District, Tanzania. The study was guided by one research question. Convergent design under mixed approach was used. The study targeted used a sample of 8 schools, with 8 heads of schools, 80 teachers, 16 non teaching staff and 192 form three students. Data was collected using questionnaires for school heads, teachers and students together with interview guide for non teaching staff.  Validity of instruments was ensured by requesting two research experts from Mwenge Catholic University and Validity of qualitative data were through member checking, peer review and triangulations. The reliability of the items was tested by using Cronbachs Alpha formula using Likert scale questions and found to be 0.783 and 0.720 for teachers and students respectively. The descriptive statistics were analysis using mean scores, frequencies and percentages. Analysis of qualitative data was through thematic and transcribed data were presented in narrations form supported by direct quotations. The study found that ADEM in-service training program enhances communication skills of school heads for human relation by providing them the skills to involve staff members and students in problem solving, conducting meetings and listening and understanding abilities. The study recommend that public school heads especially those who never attended ADEM in-service training program should be equipped with communication skills for they lack some skills for human relation.

Keywords: Communication skills, Human relations, Agency for the Development of Educational Management

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-27-10

Publication date:September 30^th 2021