The effects of COVID 19 on implementing the secondary school curriculum: The case of Morogoro municipality

Abstract

The aim of this study was to look on the effects of the COVID 19 on the implementation of secondary schools curriculum in Morogoro Municipality. The objectives of this study were to assess curriculum implementation before the COVID 19, to find out what happened to the curriculum implementation when schools were closed and to determine compensatory strategies after schools were opened. The study involved 5 (five) Ordinary secondary schools with different socio-economic status. There were 90 respondents; these include 60 Form three students, 10 Parents, and 20 Teachers. It mainly employed qualitative approach. Data were collected through semi- structured interviews and focus group discussion. Data analysis was done qualitatively. The study was mainly guided by Socio-cultural (Social Constructivism) theory. The theory was thought to be an appropriate theoretical framework to underpin this study. This theory helps to explain how curriculum implementation was influenced by the level of learner’s assistance to learn. The study used case study research design. Findings show that before the pandemic students were all well supported to learn both at home and at school where teachers, peer students and parents played the role of supporting the learners. Findings show that when schools were closed there was no implementation of the curriculum; most of the students were not supported to learn. Only 27 out of 60 students were supported to learn, yet the assistance was very limited so curriculum was not implemented. Findings revealed that when schools were opened various strategies were adopted by the schools to compensate the time that was lost during schools closure, these include, adjustments in the school timetable, improvement in assistance by teachers, encourage peers assistance and encourage learners to read by borrowing books. These strategies helped the schools to compensate the time lost also to cover up most of the subject contents. Few learners who were left behind by teachers due to high speed to teaching were assisted by their fellows. The researcher recommends that the Government should invest much on technology in educational institutions where teachers and student could meet online even when they are separated. The researcher also recommends further study to be conducted on the effects of the COVID 19 on the primary school curriculum implementation. Also the same study can be conducted in other Regions.

Key words: COVID 19, Effects of COVI 19, Curriculum, Curriculum implementation, the curriculum implementation during the school closure.

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/11-18-09

Publication date:September 30^th 2021