The Challenges of Teaching, and Learning in Large Class Size in Public Primary Schools: The Case of Ilala Municipality-Tanzania.

This study investigated challenges of teaching and learning inlarge class size in public primary schools in Tanzania. The study was guided by four specific research objectives: explore challenges of teaching in large class size; explore complexities of teaching large size class size; explore learning difficulties in large class size and to find out views of stakeholders on ways to overcome challenges and difficulties of large class sizes in public primary schools in Ilala Municipality.The study adopted qualitative approach in order to get insight and depth also because is flexible and adaptive. A total of 125 interviewees were interviewed. Qualitative data were analyzed by the use of inductive reasoning content analysis in order to understand social reality of the phenomenon. Quantitative data were descriptively analyzed and the finding presented in form of charts and tables.Thefindings revealed that the overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teaching and learning materials, low motivation by teachers, low students’ performances,selection of teaching methods, teachers-students’ interactions, students’ assessments, marking students’ works, lack of incentive packages for teachers,low academic concentration among students, poor supervision, were main challenges and difficulties of teaching and learning in large class sizes. The study concludes by saying challenges and difficulties of teaching and learning in large class size are mainly pedagogical and management related. Therefore, it is practical to have positive viewpoint on large class size and adapt effective teaching and learning methods. Skilled teachers coupled with students-centered teaching and learning approach and adequate supplies of teaching and learning materials are the pillars in resolving large class sizes challenges. Keywords: Training, Learning, Class size