The Enrollment Pattern and the Suitability of Learning Environment for Teenage Mother Students Under the Re-Entry Scheme in Tabora Municipality
Abstract
This study foremost assessed the enrollment pattern and then the suitability of the learning environment for teenage mother students under the re-entry scheme within two centres in Tabora municipality. This qualitative study utilised diffusion theory and employed a case study design to investigate the status of the enrollment of teenage mother students and the suitability of their learning environment. The study population consisted of 88 individuals; Homogeneous Purposive sampling was employed to select 20 teenage mother student participants, while convenience sampling was used to obtain 6 teachers and expert purposive sampling was used to get 2 resident tutors based on the nature of the study. Data were collected through questionnaires, an interview guide and an observation checklist. The data were analysed thematically and using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that the enrollment pattern in the two centres is influenced positively by advocacy and publicity, but factors like long distance from home to school negatively affect it. Regarding the suitability of the learning environment, teachers suggest that it was suitable and teenage mother students were somewhat satisfied. Therefore, the study recommended the Interventions by different stakeholders to improve the enrollment rate, but also the learning environment for teenage mothers should be improved by building extra infrastructures that help teenage mother students in the learning process
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