Karatu Boys' CBA students celebrate eggplant harvest with teacher Vitalis Duwe. Photo: Elias Bange.
By Adonis
Byemelwa
Amidst the euphoria following
last year's stellar Form Four exam results, the past two weeks have unfolded as
a frenzied scramble for every parent. With each passing day, the pressure
mounts as families strive to secure coveted spots for their children in the
next phase of education.
This pivotal moment marks not
just a transition but a defining step toward shaping their futures. Amidst the
whirlwind of applications and decisions, parents navigate a landscape fraught
with anticipation and determination, fueled by the promise of brighter
opportunities for their offspring.
The quest for educational
advancement mirrors a societal aspiration for progress and success,
underscoring the profound impact of these decisions on individual lives and
collective aspirations alike.
In Tanzania's education system,
the crucial step of choosing subjects for students who have completed Form Four
is paramount. The government allows a 21-day window for students to change
their subject combinations, after which no further changes are permitted.
Deputy Secretary-General of the
President's Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Dr.
Charles Msonde, previously stated that the change window would begin on April
6, 2023.
Only seven percent of candidates
achieved Division One in the 2023 exams, highlighting the importance of
comprehensive guidance and advice for students during subject selection.
Students need to understand
their abilities, talents, and aspirations before making these critical
decisions. As Dr. John Dewey famously said, "Education is not preparation
for life; education is life itself."
For those opting for technical
colleges, the choice of subjects tends to be straightforward as practical
experience often guides their decisions. However, for Form Five students aiming
for university, the challenge of selecting subjects becomes more complex.
Many students who excelled in
Form Four, finding every subject option seemingly viable, often grapple with
the dilemma of choosing the right path forward. Peer influence and societal
expectations further complicate their choices.
Families where parents lack
formal education often find themselves at a loss when advising their children
on subject choices. Discovering that the government also assigns students to
schools based on their exam performance adds another layer of complexity.
Unlike in the past, where
failing math might have barred a student from pursuing science subjects,
today's system allows more flexibility.
It's not uncommon for a student with a low
grade in Mathematics to excel in subjects like Chemistry, Biology, and
Geography (CBG) and succeed in Form Six, with Mathematics taking a secondary
role.
Changing subjects mid-school
year requires significant effort, as many students risk committing to subjects
they may struggle with in the future. This highlights the need for
psychological counseling departments in every school.
Some private schools go a step
further by involving paternities in subject selection through consultations
with teachers, ensuring mutual agreement on the chosen path. This method helps
alleviate confusion and blame between teachers and parents.
In developed countries like
Finland, educational systems emphasize early guidance for students to discover
and develop their talents. Parents and guardians play a crucial role in guiding
their children toward suitable subject choices, collaborating closely with
educators and educational counselors.
In the UK, for example, parents
are actively involved in the process of choosing subjects and schools for their
children. They attend advisory meetings with teachers to gain comprehensive
insights into their children's progress and talents.
Professor Linda Darling-Hammond,
an education expert in the United States, stresses the importance of teachers
possessing the skills and understanding to guide students effectively.
"Teachers must be able to recognize students' talents and help them
nurture them," she asserts.
Beyond parents and teachers,
involving external professionals such as educational psychologists and career
counselors is crucial. These experts provide professional guidance on the job
market and its requirements, assisting students in making more informed
decisions about their subjects.
In the US, students have the
opportunity to consult with career professionals and attend academic guidance
workshops, enhancing their understanding of future career paths.
Choosing subjects is more than
just selecting courses; it's about shaping a child's future. Providing adequate
guidance ensures students make informed decisions and achieve their dreams.
As Dr. Msonde emphasized,
"Students who miss the opportunity to make changes will be stuck with
their initial choices." Early guidance is therefore crucial in avoiding
future regrets.
Thus, the subject selection
process is critical for students and requires close cooperation among students,
parents, teachers, and educational professionals. By ensuring students receive
sufficient guidance, we can help them make the right decisions and achieve
their aspirations.
Education systems should be
inclusive and provide equal opportunities for all students to achieve their
goals and have a bright future. "Education is the key to life," Dewey
once said, and this key must be used wisely by providing adequate guidance and
advice to students.
In recent months, parents like
Esther Ashery, whose children Junior Gabagambi from Alpha Secondary School and
Anastela Rweikiza from Kondoa Girls, have expressed concern over the difficulty
of changing subject combinations.
Junior, with excellent grades in
many subjects, faces peer pressure to pursue EGM despite being deemed suitable
for ECA by the school administration, sparking controversy.
The process of choosing subjects
continues to be a point of contention among parents and students, as
highlighted by recent social media posts. Assistant education coordinators have
acknowledged these concerns and are working to address them.
Maxmillan Modest, an Education
Officer at the PO-RALG, noted the importance of addressing grievances raised by
students and parents through effective communication and resolution.
The new subject groups set to
commence in July 2024 include Social Sciences, Languages, Business Studies,
Sciences, Sports, Arts, and Religious Education.
The subject change process ran
from March 20, 2024, to April 30, 2024, urging students, parents, and guardians
to seek professional academic advice before making any changes.
"I urge students, parents,
and guardians to use this time effectively to avoid challenges that may arise
after the results of the subject selection for Form Five and college admissions
are announced," said Mohammed Mchengerwa, Minister of State in the
President's Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG).
He added, "It is essential
to adhere to the given time frame for adjustments to ensure a smooth school and
college assignment schedule."
It is crucial for universities
to periodically review and improve their programs to meet job market demands
efficiently and avoid misallocation of resources. Instances, where certain
departments teach only a handful of students in postgraduate programs, raise
questions about initial assessments before launching courses at the university
in question.
In
developed countries, universities succeed by conducting thorough investigations
and making regular curriculum adjustments to ensure programs meet job market
demands and efficiently utilize resources. This proactive approach not only
enhances graduates' employability but also optimizes educational investments.
By
staying attuned to industry needs and continually refining their offerings,
universities empower students with the precise skills demanded by the
workforce. This adaptability not only future-proofs graduates' careers but also
catalyzes economic growth and fosters innovation globally.
Dr.
Charles Msonde's advocacy highlights the urgency, emphasizing the role of
education in shaping market-ready professionals.
Meanwhile,
Mchengerwa and educationists’ insight into parents guiding their children's
educational choices aligns perfectly with meeting job market demands. Together,
these efforts ensure a seamless transition from education to employment,
forging a path where every student is equipped to thrive in the evolving
professional landscape.