Motivation and its perceived effects on academic performance of teachers of public basic schools in the Atwima Mponua District

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess teacher motivation and its effect on students’ academic achievement, focusing on public junior high schools in the Atwima Mponua district. The objectives of the study were to establish how teachers feel when motivated on the job, determine teacher motivation and its effect on the academic achievement of pupils in basic schools of the Atwima Mponua District, and to find out the best motivational packages that promote teacher productivity. The researcher adopted the descriptive survey design using closed ended questionnaire for the study. The targeted population of the study was all the 170 JHS 3 teachers of the Atwima Mponua Educational District who were purposively sampled for this study. The study found, among others, that motivational packages for teachers in the study area were recognition and reward for high performance, empowerment of teachers to maintain discipline. Effects of motivation on teachers’ performance were that it creates supportive environment for staff to maximize their potential to be able to work effectively, students achievement are improved due to improved teaching strategies. The best motivational packages that promote teacher productivity were the provision of conducive and congenial working environment. Based on the findings, it is recommended that greater career growth and promotion opportunities should be accessible for teachers to motivate them to put in more effort in their lesson delivery to enhance students’ performance.