ZANZINZIBAR INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION

Outline of question and answer

·        Meaning of ZIE

·        Historical Background of ZIE

·        Mission & Vision of ZIE

·        Functions of ZIE

·        Achievement of ZIE

·        Challenges of ZIE

·        Conclusion 

  

According to Suleiman, Y. (2015) ZIE is stand for ZANZIBAR INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION. In Swahili it is so called TAASISI YA ELIMU YA ZANZIBAR (TEZ).

ZIE is the semi autonomous (has not totally authority) organ working under the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training in Zanzibar. It is located at Mazizi opposite to ZRB building. It is situated inside of the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training on second floor, room number 48.  At a moment the director of ZIE is Mr. Suleiman Yahya. (Suleiman, Y. (2015)

The ZIE is the Institute for curriculum development and education research, whose mandate is to develop curricula for pre-primary, primary, secondary and teacher education. This mandate commits ZIE critical responsibility for quality curricula development, research, consultancy and pedagogical materials development at pre-primary, research, secondary and teachers’ education. Also, organizing training on curricula and matters related to curricula. In order to fulfill this mandate, the institution will establish library whose role is to organize and disseminate information resources to support curriculum development and research activities in the institute. The library caters for information needs of curriculum specialists, researchers, teachers, students and other stakeholders in education. 

Before the establishment of ZIE there was department of examination and curriculum development.

Zanzibar educational policy of 2009 has suggested having an organ dealing with curriculum development in order to improve education in Zanzibar.

Effectively 2011, ZIE was introduced under the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. (Suleiman, Y. 2015)

ZIE has its own mission, and that is to facilitate provision of quality education through quality curricula design from research, consultancies and participation of society in pre primary school, primary, secondary and teacher education.

Also, the vision of ZIE is to become the centre of excellence in curriculum design, development, and implementation with highly competent, motivated and committed professionals according to the need of society.

As an institution, ZIE has many functions to perform. Some of them are;

Developing of instructional material.

Teaching and learning material are necessary component for development of education in Zanzibar. ZIE are responsible for preparing and providing available material which is suitable to the learners depending to their level. These materials are designed for the interest of the learners’ interaction.

Conducting educational research

The institution undergoes different research on different educational issues that happen and need solutions. It deals with research report writing which is distributed to the different groups of stakeholders. Research finding provide information to support the implementation of policy decisions and reform. Educators and policy makers use research to improve educational system. Educational researchers should insure that classroom learning is improved.

Monitoring and evaluation of the curriculum

ZIE monitors and evaluates the curriculum and come up with the information regarding the worthiness, appropriateness, goodness, validity, legality etc. Where by reliable measurement or assessment has been made.

Provision of in-service training for the teachers and officers.

ZIE giving in-service training for teachers and officers concerned with new curriculums, designed textbook, proposed learning and teaching materials and conducted research. Those training are providing through different TC in various area such as Michakaeni, Mizingani, Wingwi, Mkwajuni, Bububu, Kitogani, Kiembe samaki etc. Twenty days in-service upgrade training for upper primary school teacher of English & communication.

Provide technical and professional advice to government through Ministry of Education on matters related to curriculum and educational reform.

The advice that gives to government depending on the needs of the society related to the change of time. For instance, education that was provided during 1980 and 2000 does not keep the attention of keeping of important in English language in primary level education. But now there is encouragement of English language in lower level from standard four up to six and beyond that except Kiswahili, Arabic and Diana. 

Another advise is that the planning of doing  examination of form two level are now considering to all sectors including government and private school, and hence special classes (michipuo) students are also suppose to seat for examination.

In deed there is a large number of subject related the quantities of subject, there is idea given by ZIE through the Ministry of Education to have 8 subjects of primary level education.

Documentary review and up-to-date of existing curriculum and books.

Among the function of ZIE is to review on different educational documents for the betterment of the education in Zanzibar. Example books, teaching and learning material and syllabus.

Also up-to-dating the existing curriculum so as to suite the need of the society in doing this, ZIE gate consultation from the different educational stakeholders and participating society as well.

Curriculum development.

This means the process that concern the design and development of plan their implementation in the broad sense. The main purpose of ZIE in this area is to translate broad statement of intent in to specific plans and action. On the other hand it insure that all students receive integrated coherent learning experience that contribute to word their personal academic an professional learning and development. 

In curriculum development contain different phases;

Organization and analysis

Detailed design

Pre implementation review

Implementation

Review

Curriculum change.

Establish a course of diploma in primary education.

Many primary teachers upgrade their level of education through this course stated in Zanzibar at Nkrumah Teachers Training College. Still now the course is developing in Mazizi Islamic College in Unguja and Benjamin William Mkapa at Mchangamdogo and CCK college at Micheweni in Pemba Zanzibar.

Therefore through this course many skillful, qualified and competent primary teachers are obtained.

Revise curriculum for preschool education.

This greatest achievement as it makes review after every five years in order to look for its appropriateness achievement for those school learners’ needs. After every review it is up to ZIE to provide amendment for that curriculum concerned. For instance, if there is any complex thing in preschool content, should be removed.

Provide pupils books and teachers guide from standard one to standard four (2013).

ZIE  has been successed to create useful books to the learner from standard one to four as well as teachers guide in different subject. These books covered various topic with relation to the learner’s needs. Every textbook has its teacher’s guide book from book one to four. Examples, Sayansi, Hisabati, Kiswahili, English ect

Provided books for preschool students (nursery)

In 2014, ZIE provide books for pre-primary school. For pilot school, such as Kisiwandui, Muembe shauri, Mtopepo, etc. The aim of ZIE is to provide these books for pre-primary school to all government school in Zanzibar. In this year 2015, these books are appropriate to the content and the need of the learners such as games, reading and writing exercise.

On other hand ZIE is facing with many challenges. Some of them are;

Financial resources.

 Financial is very important in running any Institution. Shortage of fund in ZIE led some activities do not operating well such as conducting research, seminar, workshop as well as improving teaching and learning resources. Due this challenge make some activities failed to perform effectively.

Shortage of qualified skilled workers.

At present situation ZIE should encourage and promote their workers to learn more in order to be skilled people. The need for skilled people for every department is essential in order to create and increase the application of science and technology for getting skilled people and remove the large number of unskilled workers. In order to increase awareness among the workers.

Absence of permanent and enough office.

This is among the problem facing ZIE. Since formed 2011 it had not permanent building in order to running their activities, till now it is under the umbrella of Ministry Education and Vocational Training.

In general, Zanzibar Institute of Education has encouraged and improved level of education in Zanzibar although it is facing with high number of challenges.

It is important to the government and private institution to come up with strength supports to that certain institution so as to improve a quality of education in Zanzibar. 

REFERENCE

Suleiman, Y. (2015) Director of Zanzibar Institute of Education: Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. Zanzibar.