TSC Interview Questions and Answers

By | December 26, 2023
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Essential TSC Interview Questions and Answers

If you’re gearing up for a TSC (Teachers Service Commission) interview and aiming to secure a higher job group, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. Beyond showcasing your teaching skills and experience, having a deep understanding of the education landscape is vital.

Here, we delve into some key questions that might come up during your TSC interview, helping you stand out and increase your chances of moving up the job group ladder.

Essential TSC Interview Questions and Answers

1. National Goals of Education:

  • To foster nationalism, and patriotism, and promote national unity.
  • To address social, economic, technological, and industrial needs for national development.
  • To provide avenues for individual development and self-fulfilment.
  • To promote social equality and responsibility.
  • To instil sound moral and religious values.
  • To cultivate international consciousness and a positive attitude towards other nations.
  • To foster a positive attitude towards good health and the environment.

2. Structure of the Ministry of Education:

Understanding the organizational framework of the Ministry of Education is crucial. Familiarize yourself with its hierarchical structure and the roles of different departments. This knowledge showcases your awareness of the broader education system.

3. Role of the Minister for Education:

  • Formulation of policy direction and management of professional functions related to education.
  • Development and implementation of projects and programs.
  • Curriculum development.
  • Initiation of training programs.
  • Administration of examinations.
  • Granting aid to schools.
  • Addressing audit reports.
  • Managing student admissions and transfers.
  • Dealing with student discipline.

4. Publications for the Ministry of Education:

  • Knowledge of prominent educational publishers is crucial. Mentioning KLB (Kenya Literature Bureau) shows awareness of a significant contributor to educational materials in Kenya.

5. Structure of the T.S.C:

Demonstrate your familiarity with the internal structure of the Teachers Service Commission. Understand its divisions, departments, and how it functions to regulate and manage the teaching profession in Kenya.

6. Functions of the Teachers Service Commission (T.S.C):

  • Registration of trained teachers.
  • Recruitment and employment of registered teachers.
  • Assignment of teachers to public schools or institutions.
  • Promotion and transfer of teachers.
  • Exercise of disciplinary control over teachers.
  • Termination of the employment of teachers.
  • Review of education and training standards for individuals entering the teaching service.
  • Assessment of the demand and supply of teachers.
  • Advisory role to the national government on matters related to the teaching profession.

7. Empowering Legislation for T.S.C:

  • The TSC Act (Cap212) of 1967.
  • The Constitution of Kenya.

8. Role of the Secretary T.S.C

Under the guidance of the Commission, the Secretary plays a pivotal role, including:

  • Execution of Commission decisions.
  • Leadership of the Secretariat.
  • Facilitation, coordination, and ensuring the execution of the Commission’s mandate.
  • Advice to the Commission on teacher projections and staffing of learning institutions.
  • Recommendations on the optimum utilization of available teachers.
  • Guidance on appointments and deployment to administrative posts in educational institutions.
  • Custodianship of the register of teachers and records of the Commission.
  • Accounting officers are responsible for the diligent implementation of relevant laws.
  • Ensuring staff compliance with the constitution and other laws.
  • Administration and management of secretariat resources.
  • Promotion of professionalism in the teaching service.
  • Advisory role on the suitability of individuals entering the teaching service.

9. Role of K.I.C.D., Inspectorate, and K.N.E.C:Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (K.I.C.D):
  • Advisory role to the Government on curriculum development.Evaluation, vetting, and approval of local and foreign curricula.Implementation of curriculum development policies.Development, review, and approval of programs and curricula.Research initiation to inform curriculum policies.Collection, documentation, and dissemination of information on curricula.
    • Kenya National Examinations Council (K.N.E.C):
    Administration of national examinations.Certification of candidates

    10. Core Functions of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC):
  • Development of national examination tests.Registration of candidates for KNEC examinations.Administration of examinations and processing of results.Awarding certificates and diplomas to successful candidates.Issuing replacement certificates and diplomas.Conducting educational assessment research.

    • 11. Composition and Selection of the Board of Management (B.O.M) of a School:Composition: Includes the school principal (as the secretary), two teachers, parents, school sponsor, and community members.Selection: The process involves the appointment or election of members representing different stakeholders in the school community.

    12. Differentiating Roles of B.O.M and P.T.A in a School:
    Board of Management (B.O.M):Provides oversight on school management.Monitors curriculum delivery and learning achievements.Ensures students engage in extracurricular activities.Ensures teacher competence.Develops institutional policies and ensures resource accountability.Mobilizes resources for institutional development.Promotes networking and partnerships.Approves termly and annual reports.
    Parent-Teacher Association (P.T.A):
  • Raises funds for school running and activities.Communicates the school’s roles to the community.Provides input on academic improvement and moral standards.Assists in maintaining effective discipline.

    • 13. Curriculum Definitions:

    • Curriculum: Planned learning programs in formal, non-formal, and informal settings.
    • Co-curriculum: Voluntary activities like sports, clubs, student government, and publications.
    • Core Curriculum: Fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes expected to be learned by all students.

    14. Formal, Non-Formal, and Informal Curriculum:

    • Formal Curriculum: Deliberately organized, planned, and written processes in formal learning institutions, such as schools.
    • Non-Formal Curriculum: Organized, planned, and written learning activities outside the formal education system, emphasizing practical skills.
    • Informal or Hidden Curriculum: Lifelong learning from everyday experiences, not necessarily planned or organized.
    • Oversight and assessment of educational institutions to ensure compliance with set standards.
    • Evaluation of the quality of teaching and learning.

    14. Process of Curriculum Development:

    • Needs Assessment
    • Conceptualization and policy formulation
    • Curriculum designs
    • Development of syllabuses
    • Development of curriculum support materials
    • Preparation of curriculum implementers
    • Piloting/Phasing
    • National Implementation
    • Monitoring and Evaluation

    16. Curriculum vs. Syllabus:

    • Curriculum: All planned learning programs facilitate formal, non-formal, and informal learning.
    • Syllabus: A course outline with topics and statements of what is to be learned within a specific timeframe.

    17. Cases of Interdiction with Half Salary:

    • Incitement
    • Insubordination
    • Infamous conduct
    • Negligence of duty

    18. Types of Leave for Teachers:

    • Maternity Leave: 90 days (exclusive of annual leave)
    • Paternity Leave: Up to 10 days
    • Study Leave
    • Annual Leave: Permanent & pensionable – 42 days, Temporary or contract – 36 days
    • Sick Leave: Permanent & pensionable – 3 months full pay, Temporary or contract – 1 month full pay
    • Compassionate Leave: Maximum 15 days
    • Special Leave: Short duration for travel abroad.

    19. Study Leave with Pay:

    • Given to teachers for further studies, and it is generally associated with pursuing higher education qualifications.

    20. Possible Verdicts of Interdiction:

    • In some cases, teachers may not earn any money during the period of interdiction.

    21. Differentiating Interdiction and Suspension:

    • Interdiction: Implies temporary suspension pending investigations.
    • Suspension: This can be a disciplinary action or temporary removal from duty.

    22. C.B.E (Curriculum Based Establishment):

    • The number of teachers needed in a school about the number of streams, calculated based on the minimum number of lessons a teacher should teach (27) and the subjects offered.

    23. Education Commissions since Independence:

    • Ominde Commission (1964)
    • Bessay Report (1972)
    • Gachathi Report (1976)
    • Mackey Report (1981)
    • Kamunge Commission (1988)
    • Koech Commission (2000)

    24. Retirement Benefits:

    • Pension, Provident Fund, Gratuities.

    25. Deadline for Auditing Books of Accounts:

    • 31st January of the following year.

    26. ‘Orange Book’:

    • Contains prices of reference and course books.

    27. TSC Agent in School:

    • The principal.

    28. Informal, Formal, and Non-Formal Education:

    • Informal Education: Lifelong learning from daily experiences.
    • Formal Education: Hierarchically structured, chronologically graded educational system.
    • Non-Formal Education: Organized educational activity outside the formal system.

    29. Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) Requirements

    For Secondary School Teachers:
    1. Appraisal Tool of 2016:
      • Duly signed at the back by your Appraiser (Deputy) and countersigned by the principal.
    2. Pages 12, 13, 14:
      • Must be filled and signed as required.
      • Rubber stamps must appear on Pg 13 in Terms 1, 2, and 3.
    3. Appraisal Period:
      • 1st pg appraisal period to be stated: 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2016.
    4. Observation Forms:
      • Have at least 3 observation forms signed by the Deputy for teachers in 2016.
      • For 2017, ensure there is one in the file.
    5. Time Table of Your Lessons:
      • At least for 2016 and 2017.
    6. Document Showing Year Target/School/Class:
      • Clearly outline your year targets for school and class.
    7. Lesson Recovery Record:
      • Provide evidence if applicable.
    8. Appraisal Tool of 2017:
      • Only page 1 was filled for the appraisal period.
      • Fill in performance target areas in all 7 teaching standards.
      • Do not fill the ratings/marks; this will be done at the end of the term.
    For Principals (Similar Requirements as Class Teachers):
    1. PC in the File:
      • Duly signed and witnessed.
    2. Pre-Set Target/Work Plan:
      • 7 preset targets are attached to the PC.
      • Ensure your office signs off on the targets.
    3. Monitoring Tools for PC Targets:
      • Monthly Monitoring and Evaluation (M/E) tool: Internally used by the Principal to check the progress.
      • Termly M/E tool: Provide termly reports on the level of achievement of set targets to TSC SCD.
      • Annual M/E tool: A comprehensive report to TSC CD/SCD.

    By thoroughly preparing for these questions, you not only showcase your knowledge but also convey a genuine commitment to the education sector. Remember, success in a TSC interview goes beyond just the subject matter – it’s about demonstrating a passion for education and a keen understanding of the broader educational landscape.