TEACHER MOTIVATION AND PUPILS’ PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC BASIC SCHOOLS IN THE WA EAST DISTRICT OF THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Across the world, teachers are one of the most important factors in determining the quality of education that children receive. Governments and other stakeholders have taken it as a responsibility of ensuring that teachers are well motivated to put up their best. The objective of this study was therefore, to assess how teacher motivation influences pupils’ performance in public basic schools in the Wa East District. Both primary and secondary data were collected through both primary and secondary sources. Respondents were purposively selected and conveniently contacted for the data. The primary data was collected using different instruments such as questionnaires and interviews and secondary data through desk study. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results showed that teachers in the Wa East District were not adequately motivated. Promotions, allowances and staff development interventions which are the factors of motivation were not effective for teachers. Provision of teaching and learning materials was found to be low. Stakeholder was not adequate to motivate teachers to influence the performance of pupils. The study concludes that that, teachers in the Wa East District are not motivated to carry out their duty diligently, though evidence showed that various factors can contribute towards motivating the teacher. Amongst these factors are the availability of teaching materials, qualification of the teacher, years of experience, salaries, training and development as well as promotion and well-fare issues of the teacher. The study therefore, recommend that government and other development partners should provide schools in the Wa East District with teaching and learning materials, accommodations as well as establishing cordial relationships with teachers in order to improve the academic performance of the pupils.