Teacher motivation and job satisfaction as a correlate of students’ academic achievement.

Abstract

Many studies of job satisfaction and motivation have been conducted in developed countries, but few in developing ones, including Ghana, in particular in the field of education. The present study investigates teacher motivation and job satisfaction as correlate of students’ performance in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality. The research sought to explore the correlation between teacher motivation, job satisfaction and student performance in Senior High Schools. Adopting a positivist perspective, a descriptive survey was employed to obtain data from a sample size of 112 participants, who were selected using systematic sampling technique. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to the socio-demographic traits of the participants on the research question one, whilst regression analysis was used to investigate research questions two and three. Hypothesis one was tested through a Pearson correlation matrix. The present research findings imply that Nsawam Senior High School and St. Martin’s Senior High School should consider the relationship between teacher motivation and job satisfaction when evaluating student academic achievement. Consequently, it is recommended that the school's administration prioritize the provision of resources and support to foster teachers' motivation and satisfaction with their work. This should include competitive salaries and benefits, a secure and comfortable working environment, acknowledgment and appreciation of their efforts, current teaching materials, modern technology and tools, and access to professional development programs. Additionally, the school should promote dialogue and communication between teachers and students, to better accommodate the latter's needs and facilitate successful teaching. Correlational analysis provides evidence that teachers' motivation and job satisfaction are positively related and that job satisfaction may have a modest effect on students' performance. This analysis hence suggests that while teacher motivation is important, it is only one of the many factors that can affect students’ performance.