The Impact of Field-Based Practical Training on Job Performance in Tanzania: Perspectives From Students and Work Supervisors

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of field-based practical training on job performance in Tanzania from students’ and work supervisors’ perspectives. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire from 1,617 undergraduate, diploma ad certificate students from the seven colleges of The University of Dodoma and 67 interviews held with work supervisors of 56 host institutions. The results of the study indicate that there is a significant relationship between the level of education and the application of knowledge at the workplace ( p < .001). There is also a significant relationship between the higher level of education and student placement in field practical training ( p = .003), meaning that those pursuing degrees perform better than those pursuing diplomas and certificate-level education. The findings, which were also corroborated by the work supervisors who reported that 51% of students were prepared well, and therefore could apply what they have been taught in class. Moreover, 71% of the supervisors were of the opinion that the students could learn new things at the workplace. The study documents the challenges facing host institutions as well as higher learning institutions in implementing field-based practical training and makes recommendations to improve the provision of field-based practical training in Tanzania.