Teachers’ absenteeism and pupils’ academic performance: the case of some selected public basic schools at Bosomtwe district of Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of teachers’ absenteeism on pupils’ academic performance at the Bosomtwe District of Ghana. This study was guided by four research objectives. The study used a quantitative approach with a descriptive survey design. Close and open-ended questionnaire was used to solicit for data from 200 respondents. The researcher resorted to purposive sampling and simple random sampling. Purposive sampling was used in selecting 5 headteachers and sample random sampling was then used in recruiting 195 teachers out of 230. Data was analysed using frequency and percentage tables. The study revealed that schools within the Bosomtwe district face a higher rate of teacher’s absenteeism as teachers often absent themselves form school. The prevalence reasons were teacher’s responding to personal emergency, national and social reasons and the subject’s teachers teach in their various schools. Additionally, the study showed that the causes of teacher’s absenteeism were poor remuneration, furthering studies on distance learning and side business/job. Notwithstanding, the study confirmed that teacher’s absenteeism affected pupil’s academic performance as teacher’s absenteeism has led to inadequate coverage of syllabus. The study also showed that more male teachers absent themselves from school than female teachers. The study the recommended that there should be an increment in teacher’s remunerations and there should be attendance records for teachers in order to enforce rigorous disciplines among teachers. Lastly, institution offering long distance programmes should readjust their academic calendar to a time where teachers are on vacations.