Stakeholder perceptions towards the quality of education in catholic schools: case of four secondary schools of Mzuzu Diocese

Abstract

This study was conducted in Catholic schools of Mzuzu Diocese where it was observed that many parents opt to send their children to such schools rather than other schools. The study was aimed at examining stakeholder perceptions towards the quality of education in Catholic secondary schools of Mzuzu Diocese. Different literature reviewed indicated that various studies have been conducted worldwide on stakeholder perception of schools. Schools do have a positive perception if they are well managed, have good school environment that fosters teaching and learning, the social life of such schools fosters holistic development of a child, there is quality teaching and learning due to competent and dedicated teachers. As a result, such schools produce good results at national examinations. While this may be a reason why parents desire their wards to go to such schools. There is limited research about why parents want their wards to be enrolled at Catholic schools of Mzuzu Diocese. This knowledge gap necessitated the researcher to carry out this study. The participants of this study were Parents; Catholic and Non-Catholic, Teachers, Students and Former Students. The total Sample of the study was 120 parents, 140 teachers, 112 students for quantitative study, and 8 former prefects and 8 parents for qualitative study. Purposive sampling was adopted for selecting respondents. Mixed method paradigm was used to collect and analyse data. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis. For qualitative data, transcripts from the interviews were coded, analysed and categorised for emerging and recurring themes. This study was limited in that it covered Mzuzu Diocese only and not the whole country. Key findings reveal positive perceptions of teaching and learning activities, good school environment, provision of social life, and quality leadership and management making stakeholders to have positive perception of Catholic schools. Drawing from these findings it is hereby recommended that schools should quality teaching and learning, positive school environment, enhanced school social life and dynamic leadership.