TEACHER ABSENTEEISM: EFFECTS ON PUPILS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN BASIC SCHOOLS IN EAST GONJA DISTRICT

Abstract

Given the abysmal performance of pupils in schools of the East Gonja district which is said to be the outcome of teacher absenteeism and related factors, the study examined the effects of teacher absenteeism on the academic performance of pupils in the district. A total of 98 respondents comprising of head teachers, assistant head teachers and classroom or subject teachers in the basic schools of the district were interviewed using the structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPSS data analyses software. The study revealed that teacher absenteeism is really prevalent in the East Gonja district with the rural schools recording higher levels of absenteeism compared with the urban schools. The respondents also revealed that poor working condition is one of the major factors which influence teacher absenteeism. Other factors identified were the rural nature of a school's community, lack of accommodation, health challenges of teachers, teachers attending social functions, break down of motor bikes of teachers who stay far away from their schools, among others. Besides, results of the study showed that teacher absenteeism leads to a cut in instructional hours which results in inability to cover stipulated syllabus, eventually leading to poor performance of pupils in examinations. Other effects identified were pupils not taking subjects of absentee teachers seriously, and over burdening of non- absentee teachers, among others. Finally, the study revealed that improvement in working conditions of teachers was rated highest by the respondents as a measure to curb teacher absenteeism; followed by patriotism advocacy for teachers; organization of teacher related programs at inactive school times; whilst threat of pay cut of absentee teachers was rated as the least important measure to curb teacher absenteeism. Other measures identified in the study were strict and constant supervision of teachers, active involvement of PTA and SMC in monitoring and supervision of teachers, guidance and counselling for teachers, and special incentives for rural teachers.