ANALYZING THE EFFECTS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF TEACHERS IN THE SAGNARIGU DISTRICT

Abstract

Notwithstanding the efforts to improve the professionalism of teachers through various professional development programmes in line with both International and National Educational Policies, some teachers still do not perform satisfactorily. It is against this backdrop that this study was undertaken to analyze the effects of professional development on teachers in the Sagnarigu District. The main objective of the study was to assess the effects of professional development experience on teachers’ practice with respect to their general performance in the classroom. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the ten Junior High Schools and Headteachers for the study. Simple random sampling was however used to select the individual teachers from a school for the study. A sample size of 100 teachers was used for this study. The study found that professional development programmes improved the performance of teachers and also enhanced their competency. Thematic Workshops were found to be most effective in enhancing teachers’ competence. However, given the choice, most teachers would rather patronize Distance Learning Courses and Programmes. Demonstrations were the most preferred teaching method by most teachers following professional development courses. This may however be influenced by the subject and resource constraints. It is recommended that the Ghana Education Service should assess teachers’ needs before organizing professional development programmes for them.