Dr. Job Wilson Mwakapina

Profession Biography

Job W. Mwakapina (PhD) is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Language Studies at Sokoine University of Agriculture, and he has over 18 years of teaching experience, so he is well known for his significant contributions to the field of linguistics. With a PhD in Linguistics, Dr. Mwakapina is a dedicated educator and linguist whose expertise spans General and Applied Linguistics as well as English language instruction. His commitment to innovative teaching methodologies has positively impacted students across Tanzania and beyond, fostering their understanding of complex linguistic concepts.
In addition to his teaching, Dr. Mwakapina is an active researcher and consultant, contributing extensively to areas such as language in education, the integration of technology in language teaching, academic literacy, second language acquisition, and English for Academic Purposes (EAP). His numerous publications, accessible on platforms like Google Scholar and ResearchGate, reflect his dedication to advancing linguistics and supporting language studies. Through his work, Dr. Mwakapina continues to inspire and guide students, educators, and researchers, playing a vital role in the growth of language studies in Tanzania and beyond.
Explore his publications on Google Scholar and ResearchGate.

 

Area of Expertise

His areas of expertise and research interests include:

  • English for Specific Academic Purposes(ESAP)
  • Technology integrated teaching and learning
  • Religious language, second language acquisition/learning
  • Non-verbal communication.
  • Interpretation and translation studies
  • Language teaching methods, tools and strategies

Academic qualification

  • 2017 – 2021, PhD Linguistics, UDSM
  • 2009 – 2011, Master’s degree of Arts in Linguistics, UDSM
  • 2003 – 2007, Bachelor of Arts with Education (Geography & Linguistics), UDSM

Research Project

  • Principal Investigator (PI) of a Research Project titled: Quality of Scientific Research Works: Determinants, Measurement, and Challenges in Higher Education in Tanzania, April  2023 –May 2025, Sponsored under SUA Research and Innovation Support (SUARIS)
  • Member of a Project titled: Climate-smart Agriculture- documentation of emerging neologisms in ethnic Community languages in Mbeya Tanzania(Rungwe and Mbeya Rural) April 2023 – May2025 Sponsored under SUA Research and Innovation Support (SUARIS)

Consultancies

  1. Editor of the SUA SENATE and CSSH board documents 2016 to date
  2. Facilitated and participated in a consultancy Training workshop programme on ‘ Scientific writing process: Proposal writing, report writing and alignment of a research paper to publication process’ conducted at the Institute of Tax Administration(ITA) Mikocheni B , Dar es Salaam from 20th -24th June 2022 presented by Dr. J.W. Mwakapina & Dr. Robinson, N. M, from SUACAIL & Prof. B.K . Kazuzuru from SUALISA.
  3. Engaged by the national educational institute in content reviewing and developing, as well as in editing and proofreading of textbooks across various subjects and grade levels. Responsibilities included ensuring accuracy, coherence, and alignment with the national curriculum.
    March 2021 – September 2024.
  4. Engaged by the national educational institute in content reviewing and developing, as well as in editing and proofreading of textbooks across various subjects and grade levels. Responsibilities included ensuring accuracy, coherence, and alignment with the national curriculum.
    March 2021 – November 2024.
  5. Facilitated and participated in a consultancy Training workshop programme on ‘ Scientific writing process: Proposal writing,  report writing  and alignment  of a research paper to publication process’ conducted  at the Institute of Tax Administration(ITA)  Mikocheni B , Dar es Salaam from 20th -24th June 2022 presented by Dr. J.W. Mwakapina & Dr. Robinson, N. M, from SUACAIL  & Prof. B.K . Kazuzuru from SUALISA.
  6. Engaged by the national educational institute in content reviewing and developing, as well as in editing and proofreading of textbooks across various subjects and grade levels. Responsibilities included ensuring accuracy, coherence, and alignment with the national curriculum.
    March 2021 – September 2024.
  7. Engaged by the national educational institute in content reviewing and developing, as well as in editing and proofreading of textbooks across various subjects and grade levels. Responsibilities included ensuring accuracy, coherence, and alignment with the national curriculum.
    March 2021 – November 2024.
  8. Assigned a position of consultancy by the director of Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) to edit and proofread ‘Agriculture form one books’. This activity was conducted at Morogoro Teachers’   Training College March 23 – 29, 2021.
  9. Assigned a position of consultancy by the director of Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) to edit and proofread ‘’Mechanical engineering- Manufacturing Engineering Form Three Book. This activity was conducted at Morogoro Teachers’ Training College, January 19 -27, 2022
  10. Assigned a position of consultancy by the director of Tanzania Institute of   Education (TIE) to edit and proofread “Secondary School Book-Keeping Student’s book for Form One. This activity was conducted at Morogoro Teachers’ Training College, February 26  to March 2, 2022

Community

Participated in SUA-CAIL’s outreach on October 12, 2024, at Solomon Mahlangu Campus, Morogoro, training TELTA Morogoro Chapter secondary school teachers in “Scientific Proposal Writing” for conference submissions, enhancing academic writing and professional development.

List of publications

Books 

Wilson, J. M. (2012). Predictive Power of Language Proficiency on Academic Achievement: A Tanzanian Perspective, Saarbruken: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing GmbH & Co. KG (with ISBN-13: 978-3848433308)

Books  Chapters

Mwakapina, J. W. (2022). Upgrading Students’ Communication Competence: Reflections from Universities in Tanzania. In – D. T. Sakhare(Ed.) & N. Munjal (Ed.), Advances in Multidisciplinary Research and Development ( Vol. 6), 128 -151, New Delhi: Scripown Publications

 

Journal articles

  1.  Issa, Z., Mwakapina, J., & Nyinondi, O. (2024). Competence based curriculum in practice: English curriculum implementation prospects and challenges in Mtama District secondary schools in Tanzania. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 13(5), 29-39. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2024.24013
  2. Issa, Z. A., Mwakapina, J. W., Nyinondi, O. S. (2024). Implementation of English Language Competence –Based Curriculum in Tanzanian Secondary Schools: A Case Mtama District. Education Journal, 13(4), 211-221. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.edu.20241304.18
  3. Nyinondi, O.S & Mwakapina, J.W. (2023). WhatsApp Platform a Remedy for Covid-19 Classroom Learning Restrictions: Students’, Teachers’, and Parents’ Perspectives in Tanzania. The East African Journal of Education and Social Sciences (EAJESS), 4(3) 13-22
  4. Mwakapina, J. W. (2021). What is the Nature of Language? How does it Behave? What is Language Learning then? A Review Paper in Applied Linguistics. Randwick International of Education and Linguistics Science Journal, 2(4), 603-618. https://doi.org/10.47175/rielsj.v2i4.357
  5. Mwakapina, J. W. (2021). What is the Nature of Language? How does it Behave? What is Language Learning then? A Review Paper in Applied Linguistics. Randwick International of Education and Linguistics Science Journal, 2(4), 603-618. https://doi.org/10.47175/rielsj.v2i4.357
  6.  Mwakapina,J. W..(2020). Communication Skills Course in Bridging the Gap of Weak Students’ Communicative Competence and Accentuating Performance: A Case of Sokoine University of Agriculture, International Journal of Language and Linguistics. Volume 8, Issue 1, pp. 1-10. doi: 10.11648/j.ijll.20200801.11
  7. Mwakapina, J. W. (2020). Efficacy of Communication Skills Teaching Methods and Learning Strategies: Enhancing Tertiary Students’ Communicative Competence in Tanzania. Journal of Linguistics and Language in Education, 14(2), pp.38 -61.
  8. Mwandelile, P.E. & Mwakapina, J. W. (2018). Language Change in Bongo Movies in Tanzania: A Reflection of Identity Deconstruction and Globalization Resulting from Socio-Cultural and Economic Transformations. English Literature and Language Review, 4 (12), 201-211
  9. Mwakapina, J. W. (2016). ‘Grammar for Successfully Written Discourse: Are the ESL/EFL students in Tanzania universities truly learning?’ International Journal of Education and Research. Vol. 4(3) p 309- 322(Also available online at http://www.ijern.com/journal/2016/March-2016/24.pdf)
  10. Mwakapina, J. W. Mhanden, S.A & Nyinondi, S.O., (2016). WhatsApp Mobile Tool in Second Language Learning: opportunities, potentials and challenges in higher education settings in Tanzania. Journal of English language Education, 4(2) 70 -90 (Available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.5296/ijele.v4i2.9711).
  11. Mlozi, M.R.S., Mussa, M., Mapunda, K.M., Kalungwizi, V.J., Mwakapina,J. W., Tumbo, S. D. & Sanga, C. (2016). Unlocking the Potential of the Mobile Phones by University Undergraduate Students: a case of Sokoine University of Agriculture. International Journal of Computing and ICT Research, Vol. 10, Issue 1, June 2016( available at http://ijcir.mak.ac.ug/volume10-issue1/article5.pdf)
  12. Mwakapina, J. W. & Mhandeni, S. A. (2014). The Influence of Language of Instruction on Students’ Academic Outcomes: The Experience of Secondary Schools in Morogoro, Tanzania: Journal of African Tomorrow. Vol. 16(2), pp125 -148  ( Also available online at http://www.juco.ac.tz/index.php/en/publications/africa-tomorrow/volumes)
  13. Wilson, J. M. & Komba, S. (2012). ‘The Link between English Language Proficiency and Academic Performance’: A Pedagogical Perspective in Tanzanian Secondary Schools’. World Journal of English Language. Vol.2 No.4, pp 1-10 (Also available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v2n4p1)

Training/seminars/Conference proceedings

 

  1. Attended and presented a paper at TESOL 2023 International Convention and English Language Expo. held at Portland, Oregon, USA at Oregon Convention Centre from 21st -24th March 2023.Attended
  2. Attended and presented a paper at American Association of Applied Linguistics (AAAL) Conference with a theme of Collaborating and Mentoring in Applied Linguistics held in Portland, Oregon, USA at Marriott Hotel, Downtown Waterfront from March 18 to March 21, 2023.
  3. Attended and presented a Paper on a TELTA and ZAPELATO 2023 Annual Conference on Integrating 21st Century Skills in an English Classroom held in Zanzibar at SUZA campus from February 25th  -26th , 2023
  4. Attended a Seminar on the University Teaching and Learning Improvement Programme(UTLIP) , organised by SUA Quality Assurance Unit, from May17 th – 20th, 2022 Sponsored by SUA and was conducted at SUA Council Chamber
  5. Attended a course on Creating Engaging Environments for English Language Classrooms, online course by the   University of Oregon, from May16, 2016- June 17, 2016
  6. Attended an Online Course on English Grammar and Style of Writing, sponsored by the University of Queensland UQX edX, Australia from Feb 28 – May 1, 2016
  7. Attended a training course on “Introduction to Pedagogy and Practices for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL Methods)” at the University of Oregon form June 22 – August 28, 2015 sponsored by U.S. Department of State (DOS) through its E-teacher Scholarship program
  8. Attended a training course on ‘Shaping the way we Teach English’ (Webinar Course 16) April 22 to July1, 2015. Office of English Language programs, Bureau of Education & Cultural   Affairs, U.S. Department of States
  9. Attended a course on Training workshop on ‘Curriculum Development and Implementation’, 26 – 31July, 2015 sponsored by SUA iAGRI conducted at USAMBARA Conference Centre in Morogoro
  10. Attended a Training workshop on Technology resources and strategies for teaching and learning, March 09 to April, 2015 sponsored by SUA iAGRI conducted at SUA engineering         Conference room
  11. Attended a Training workshop on Curriculum Development and Review, 19 – 24 January, 2015 sponsored by SUA iAGRI conducted at SUA –SMC Library Conference Room, in Morogoro
  12. Attended a course on Shaping the way we Teach English (Webinar Course 15) January 14th to March 25. 2015. Office of English -Language programs, Bureau of Education & Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of States.
  13. Attended a course on Proposal Writing and Project Management training Conducted by Build Stronger Universities (BSU) in Collaboration with Sokoine University of Agriculture, 11 to 15 March 2013. Morogoro Tanzania
  14. Two Days online Workshop on “Aligning Yourself to the Publishing Process” at Elsevier, on Thursday and Friday 23 – 24 July, 2020 Presented by Vishal Gupta, Customer Consultant, Lavanya Trikha, Account Manager- Inside Sales.
  15. Creating Engaging Environments for English Language Classrooms, online course by the University of Oregon, from May16, 2016- June 17, 2016
  16. An Online Course on English Grammar and Style of Writing, sponsored by the University of Queensland UQX edX, Australia from Feb 28 – May 1, 2016
  17. Training course on “Introduction to Pedagogy and Practices for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL Methods)” at the University of Oregon form June 22 – August 28, 2015 sponsored by U.S. Department of State (DOS) through its E-teacher Scholarship program
  18. Training course on ‘Shaping the way we Teach English’ (Webinar Course 16) April 22 to July1, 2015. Office of English Language programs, Bureau of Education & Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of States Training workshop on ‘Curriculum Development and Implementation’, 26 – 31July, 2015 sponsored by SUA iAGRI conducted at USAMBARA Conference Centre in Morogoro
  19. Training workshop on Technology resources and strategies for teaching and learning, March 09 to April, 2015 sponsored by SUA iAGRI conducted at SUA engineering Conference room
  20. Training workshop on Curriculum Development and Review, 19 – 24 January, 2015 sponsored by SUA iAGRI conducted at SUA –SMC Library Conference Room, in Morogoro
  21. Shaping the way we Teach English (Webinar Course 15) January 14th to March 25. 2015. Office of English Language programs, Bureau of Education & Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of States.
  22. Proposal Writing and Project Management training Conducted by Build Stronger Universities (BSU) in Collaboration with Sokoine University of Agriculture, 11 to 15 March 2013. Morogoro Tanzania
  23.  University Teaching and Learning Processes (UTLP) at SUA-ICE from 4th- 8th February, 2013

Research reports

  • 2017 – 2021 PhD Research Project: Communication Skills Course Teaching Methods and Learning Strategies: Their Use and Effectiveness in Universities in Tanzania.
  • 2009 – 2011 Master’s Degree Research Project: Relationship between English Language Proficiency and Academic Achievement in Tanzanian Secondary Schools in Tanzania.

Positions/honors

1. Board member of SUA College of Social Sciences and Humanities Board, July 2016- to date
2. Member of SUA, College of Social Sciences and Humanities Examiners Board, October, 2015 to date
3. Member, SUA, Faculty of Science Examiners’ Board, July 2008 to September, 2015
4. Member of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Committee, October 2017 to date
5. Chairperson of the Research and Publication Departmental (DLS) Committee, 2014 to date
6. Instructor of English and Kiswahili at SUACAIL, SUA, 2014- to date
7. Member of a Committee for Collecting Complaints of Citizens in Civil Service, July 2021 to date

Contacts

P.O. Box 3035, Morogoro Tanzania
Email: jvdmwakapina@gmail.com or jvdwilson@sua.ac.tz
Mobile and WhatsApp no: +255755774387