Stakeholders' assessment of the best teacher award scheme in the context of the basic education sector improvement programme in the Komenda- Edina-Eguafo-Abrem district

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine stakeholders' assessment of the Best Teacher A ward Scheme with regard to its contribution to achieving quality basic education in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem District in the Central Region. Random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 160 teachers, 20 District Education Office staff, 40 Chairmen of Parent-Teacher Association and/ or School Management Committee and 10 Assembly members. Data were obtained through questionnaires, which among other things sought information on gender, educational attainment, criteria for selection of best teachers and stakeholders' assessments of the attitude of the best teacher award winners towards attainment of quality education. Data collected were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer software. The findings indicated that teachers involved in the study knew most of the criteria used in selecting best teacher award winners. Best teachers were working hard in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem District. Prizes given to best teachers at district and regional levels were considered inadequate to motivate teachers but the national level prizes were seen as adequate to motivate teachers. Among other things, the study recommended that the number of recipients of the awards at the district, regional and national levels should be increased to cover all subjects taught in basic and second cycle institutions. Also, Best teachers should be promoted to the next rank to make the award very attractive.