Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate and identify the problems faced by female head teachers in the management of primary schools in Marange area in Mutare district in Manicaland province. The mixed method research design was used which incorporate both qualitative and quantitative methods. The target population in this study were the female head teachers in Marange area in Mutare district, teachers and the Education Officer of Marange area in Mutare district. Marange area in Mutare district has 52 primary schools, of which seven (7) are headed by female head teachers. The researchers used questionnaires and interview guides for collection of data. The interview was targeted for female head teachers and Education Inspector of Marange area in Mutare district. The data that was obtained was both quantitative and qualitative. Majority of the teachers (75.0%) said that their perception towards their head teachers was good. Majority of the teachers (87.5%) noted that psychological traits do not bar the head teachers from performing school duties effectively. All of the teachers noted that the students accorded male and female teachers at the same level of respect. The following conclusions were drawn. Female head teachers are positively viewed by their teachers and students and are approachable since they encourage them to work to attain their goals in schools. Cultural and social barriers do interfere with the management of school affairs. Half (50%) of the head teachers said there was no role conflict between domestic and professional roles while 50% of head teachers felt that there was conflict. On the psychological factors influencing the head teachers’ performance, 87.5% of the teachers said that biological traits did not bar the head teachers from performing school duties. This was because they had a teaching experience, were assertive and aggressive. The study recommended that since female heads were positively viewed strongly by teachers, there is need for them to be given more posts of leadership in primary schools. Thus female head teachers are effective hence, they are able to achieve the goals of their respective institutions. Although cultural and social barriers may interfere with the management of school affairs, there is need for female heads to be encouraged to achieve leadership positions since they can manage the roles of leaders through mentorship.
Highlights
The purpose of this study is to investigate and identify the challenges faced by female head teachers in the management of primary schools in Marange area in Mutare District
It helped the researchers to gather information on challenges faced by female head teachers in management of primary schools in Marange area in Mutare District
The study set out to establish the challenges faced by female primary school head teachers in Marange area in Mutare District
Summary
This study employed a descriptive survey design. This design was deemed suitable for this study since the study would, through data collection from the respondents, assess attitudes, opinions and draw conclusions based on the findings. This was achieved by means of interviews, which allowed for an in-depth discussion with the female head teachers, enabling the researchers to collect data on how the individual female head teachers made sense of their leadership experiences and challenges they face This technique, time-consuming, provided the researchers with the opportunity to obtain qualitative data in a manner that has the benefit of providing an overall question and focus for the interviewer, yet providing the interviewees with the opportunity to express their views. One of the main goals of conducting interviews at the participants’ places of work was for the researchers to gain an understanding of the climate and the culture of the school, as well as a first-hand observation of the identified phenomenon, namely female school headship and the challenges they face. The researchers was keen to check on the congruence between the respondents’ reactions and the observations that were made
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