PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES AGAINST STUDENT DROPOUT IN SECONDARY SCHOOL IN NACHINGWEA DISTRICT- TANZANIA

Abstract: Aim: The general purpose of this study is to examine perception and experience of school staff concerning formal and informal preventive strategies undertaken to reduce student dropout problem in secondary school in Nachingwea District – Tanzania. Theory: In order to understand the formal and informal preventive strategies undertaken by school staff against student dropout problem at secondary school in Nachingwea District -Tanzania, the current study is adopted Tinto’s model of institutional departure (1993) as a theoretical perspective throughout the current study. Method: This study is designed to use the qualitative research approach with semi structured interviews as a major channel for data collection. The purposive sampling technique is used to select seven study participants for interviews. The open-ended response is coded and analysed thematically in terms of patterns, frequencies, similarities, and differences before presented for justification of the arguments. Results: The findings of the study revealed the experience of school staff concerning formal and informal preventive strategies undertaken to reduce student dropout problem such as conducting school meeting, administering character assessment, collaboration with ward education officer and ward police officer, creating guidance and counseling groups in school, and preparing extra curriculum activities like social clubs, sports and games. Also, there are some other strategies revealed in current study which are suitable to persist student in school such as collaboration with Non- Government organization like FEMINA and use of special diary to maintain daily student attendance.