City Research Online

Abstract

Tanzanian educators were investigated for their information gathering behaviour, information needs and their perception of the usefulness of available information sources. Aspects of methodology for evaluating the performance of information gathering methods in education and of conducting research in the Tanzanian environment were equally of concern in this investigation.

In preparation for the research, a review of the Tanzanian educational system, the social and political philosophy and collateral research was undertaken. The purpose was to gain an insight into operant constraints and advantages enjoyed by educators. Further understanding of the research environment was derived from responses to the Pilot Survey Questionnaire. From these experiences and bearing in mind the stated research objectives, a multi-method approach was used in the Main Survey. Among instruments developed were Individual Interviews, Panel Discussions, Story Completion, Critical Incident and Institutional Information Resource Assessment.

Official regulations require approval for conducting research in the country. In this study, it was observed inclusion of heads of institutions or their deputies as respondents increases the level of cooperation of the rest of respondents. Also, it is more practical to have instruments in Swahili since this is the dominant language.

Comparatively, personal approach methods ie. Panel Discussions, Individual Interviews and Story Completion though slow have a greater advantage over Questionnaires in terms of depth of data. Also, given the multi-faceted nature of an information user study, different methods need to be used for various aspects of the problem for more complete collection of data.

Regarding information seeking behaviour, there was a tendency for educators to be self-reliant in information searching: a tendency particularly strong among researchers and teachers, Colleagues and experience or "common sense" play a major role as spurces of information.

The use of information resources within institutions is below capacity and the traffic of information among educators across institutional barriers is small.

Educators' information needs are not constant, being largely determined by the many roles an individual performs during the working day. Recurring roles lead to familiarity and a corresponding lessening of the need for information.

Educational information gathering facilities are on the whole not effective on account of personnel, financial and organisational problems eg. with the exception of the University of Dar es Salaam Library, educational institutional libraries are in a poor state. Other information gathering methods for example meetings, associations etc. suffer from similar afflictions: they are irregular and their effect on individuals is non-cumulative. Internal publication programmes are similarly disadvantaged so that they cannot satisfy demand, while imported publications are over-priced.

It is proposed immediate effort be expended on coordinating and monitoring the efforts of education information servicing institutions so that the use of available information resources by educators can
be maximised. In the long term, the establishment of a coordinating body to manage the flow of educational information and carry out R & D work in educational information is proposed.

This theses falls into three broad categories:
PART 1: Consists of two chapters in which an attempt is made to expound the problem under investigation.
PART 2: Consists of four chapters portraying the geographical, economic and social environment of educators. Organisational and administrative aspects of the educational system are presented.
PART 3: Is the investigation proper in five chapters, The research design, administration and results of the Pilot and Main Surveys are given. Areas which could form the basis for further research or
action are indicated.
Appendices follow the text, then a list of cited works and a bibliography are provided.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > Z665 Library Science. Information Science Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > ZA Information resources Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > ZA Information resources > ZA4450 Databases
Departments:	School of Science & Technology > School of Science & Technology Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

Export

Downloads