Motivation and teachers' performance: A case study of private junior secondary schools in the Ga district-Greater Accra region

Abstract

The study seeks to investigate the motivational factors that have beenresponsible for teachers’ high output leading to excellent student performance in private Junior Secondary Schools in the Ga District of the Greater Accraregion. The study involves 150 teachers sampled from 25 schools. The descriptive survey design was used because it is practical and versatile and indicates how data are collected, organised and displayed in tables and graphs. Teacher motivation and teacher competency instruments were administered, from which the following findings were made: teachers were highly motivated and were satisfied with their job in terms of relationship among colleagues, recognition by stakeholders, supervision and involvement in decision making. However the study reveals that teachers were dissatisfied with their salary levels and conditions of service. High student and teacher performance were also due to effective supervision and administration. The private schools have clear set goals, unalloyed persistence in ensuring quality results from pupils and the resolve to demand quality work from teachers. It was recommended based on the findings and conclusions that private school heads should incorporate teacher welfare in their planning. Secondly the GES must raise its salary levels since most private schools use their salary scale in paying their teachers. Thirdly, teachers should be involved in all decisions taken that would help make the school sustainable.