The perceived teachers’ motivation and its effect on students’ academic performance at A-level in selected secondary schools in Masaka District

Abstract

The study investigated whether the perceived teacher’s motivation has an effect on students’ academic performance in selected Advanced level secondary schools in Masaka District. The objectives of the study were; the study investigated the effect of teachers’ monetary rewards on students’ academic performance at Advanced level, the effect of teachers’ non-monetary rewards on students’ academic performance and the relationship between monetary and non- monetary rewards on students’ academic performance at Advanced level. The study was guided by a cross sectional survey research design using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis. Data was collected using structured questionnaire, in-depth interview guide, field observations and focus group discussion guide. Respondents included different Advanced Level subject teachers in the counties of Bukoto and masaka municipality in masaka District. The study revealed that students’ academic performance Advanced Level is dependent on teachers’ monetary rewards, students academic performance at Advanced level is dependent on teachers non- monetary rewards and that there is a significant relationship between monetary and non- monetary rewards on students’ academic performance. This study concludes that teachers motivation is instrumental in maintenance of an out standing students academic performance at A level. The study recommends that; (1) Head teachers, Parents and teachers Association, (P.T.A) and the board of Governors should step up the teachers’ motivation in form of both monetary and non-monetary rewards, (2) The Government through the ministries of Public and Finance should also espouse a higher pay to teachers especially those working in rural areas if an outstanding students’ academic performance at Advanced Level is to be achieved. (3)The Education Service Commission should develop Promotional Scheme of Service for the teachers in the education service since there are many graduate teachers in the service, yet there are few secondary schools in the country.