Practices and challenges of instructional supervision: the case of government primary schools of haramaya woreda, in east harerghe zone, oromia regional state.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the practices and challenges of instructional supervision in primary schools of Haramaya Woreda. Descriptive survey design was employed to see the actual facts and practices in the existing situation and to forward possible suggestions. 159 teachers out of 284teachers and 15 principals, 15 cluster supervisors were identified and involved in the study. Teachers were selected from 15 schools using simple random sampling techniques. While school’s principal and cluster supervisors were selected via availability sampling. Furthermore; purposive sampling technique was employed to select 5 HWEO teacher development experts. Thus, 186 respondents filled and returned the questionnaires. An interview was held with 5 HWEO teacher’s development experts. Data were collected using questionnaire, semistructured interview and document analysis to maintain reliability. Quantitative data collected through closed ended questionnaires were analyzed using mean scores and “F‟ test by using SPSS version 20. The data gathered through open ended question, semi-structure interview and document analysis were qualitatively analyzed to triangulate the quantitative data obtained. The finding of the study revealed that the practice of instructional supervision in major function of supervision and clinical supervision instructional supervisors were not in a position of shouldering their responsibility sufficiently. Besides to that lack relevant training, lack of transparent communication between supervisors and teachers, lack of supervision guidelines and the supervisors are overloaded with classroom activities and administrative tasks are identified as the major problems. Based on the result it recommends that, conducted class room observation, open discussion between supervisors and teachers has to be made on the practice, supervision option, provision of training for supervisors and teachers and developed clear guidelines on instructional supervision