An assessment of the impact of teacher absenteeism on learners performance a case of selected senior high schools in the Kumasi Metropolis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of teacher absenteeism on learner’s performance among senior high school students. Descriptive research design was employed for this study. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. A total of one hundred and sixty (160) participants participated in the study. Questionnaire was the data collection instrument used to solicit for data. The collected data was analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21. The results were presented using percentages and mean values in a Table. The study find out that, Unconducive working environment, Personal stress, poor supervision, Lack of accommodation at school and illness were some of the causes of teacher absenteeism. Waste of student’s time, increased work load within a period, increased student’s absenteeism, Failure of students in exams and Teachers rushing through topics to catch up time lost were revealed to be some effects teacher absenteeism had on learner’s academic performance. The study concludes that the problem of teacher absenteeism can best be addressed only when the views of teachers are taken into consideration. The study recommend that the head of school in collaboration of the metro educational directorate should conduct regular and prompt in-service training for teachers. Since teachers who are poorly remunerated tend to be more absent from school, the government needs to review salaries of teachers so that reasonable salaries are paid to them.