The Menace of Teacher Absenteeism on Pupils’ Performance at Basic Schools in East Gonja District of Northern Ghana

Global Advanced Research Journal of Educational Research and Reviews (GARJERR) ISSN: 2315-5132

August 2017, 6(3): pp. 055-065

Full Length Research Paper

The Menace of Teacher Absenteeism on Pupils’ Performance at Basic Schools in East Gonja District of Northern Ghana

Anthony Kudjo Donkor and Andrews Kuusiemeh

University for Development Studies Faculty of Education P. O. Box TL 1350 Tamale – Ghana

Corresponding Author Email: akudjod@yahoo.com

Accepted 17 August, 2017

Abstract

Given the abysmal performance of pupils in schools of the East Gonja district which is said to be the outcome of teacher absenteeism and related factors, the study examined the effects of teacher absenteeism on the academic performance of pupils in the district. A total of 98 respondents comprising of head teachers, assistant head teachers and classroom or subject teachers in the basic schools of the district were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPSS data analyses software. The study revealed that teacher absenteeism was really prevalent in the school district. Beside, the results of the study showed that teacher absenteeism led to a cut in instructional hours which resulted into the inability to cover stipulated syllabus that eventually led to poor performance of pupils in examinations. The recommendations made to minimise the phenomenon include: the improvement in working conditions such as provision of health facilities in school communities; provision of means of transport and accommodation for teachers, especially those in rural areas; intensification of supervision by circuit supervisors, with the active involvement of PTA and SMC in monitoring and supervision of teachers; putting a stop to salary delay of newly recruited teachers; and encouraging teachers to take online programs for staff development. The study will serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders of education such as parents, teachers, school administrators, governments and NGOs.

Keywords: Teacher absenteeism, pupils’ performance, rural school, urban school, school district