Factors That Militate Against the Provision of Quality Education at Grade Seven Level in Gokwe South Central Cluster of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the factors that militate against the provision of quality education at Grade Seven level in Gokwe South Central Cluster of Zimbabwe. The study adopted a qualitative interpretive research methodology. A purposive convenient sample of twenty school teachers and five school heads from Gokwe South Central Cluster formed the study. Data was collected through questionnaires and face- to- face interviews. The study began the process of data analysis by transcribing verbatim audio- taped interviews. The results were cross-checked with the participants. The study revealed that quality education was being affected by shortage of resources in schools, teacher-pupil ratio, low morale due to poor working conditions and inadequate remuneration, brain drain, a packed curriculum and poor incentives. Supervision by District Education Officers was not consistent due to economic challenges and shortage of transport resulting in not following the progress done in schools. The study recommends that there be an improvement in the provision of teaching and learning resources in schools. Fair remuneration and incentives should be given to teachers as retention packages to curb brain drain of skilled personnel to greener pastures.