Teacher related policies and teacher productivity: A case study of secondary schools in Kawempe Division, Kampala District, Uganda

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the relationship between teacher related policies and productivity of teachers in secondary schools in Kawempe Division, Kampala District. The study was guided by the following three objectives; to find out the effects of teacher recruitment policy on teacher productivity, to find out the effects of teacher training and development policy on teacher productivity and to find out the effects of staffing policy on teacher productivity of secondary school teachers in Kawempe Division, Kampala District.

The researcher used a descriptive correlation research design to investigate the effects of teacher related policies on the productivity of secondary school teachers in Kawempe Division, Kampala District. The Pearson Product Moment Coefficient was used to test the relationship between teacher related policies and the productivity of secondary school teachers. The study was mainly quantitative in nature. The researcher conveniently selected 20 secondary schools that included both private and government aided, all religious founded schools, mixed and single, day and boarding schools to find out whether there is a relationship between teacher related policies and productivity of teachers. The researcher used close self administered questionnaire and interview guide as the instruments.

From the study findings, recruitment policies were necessary but not significant in improving teacher productivity. On the other hand, teacher training, development and staffing policies were necessary and significant in improving the productivity of secondary school teachers.

Emerging from the study findings, the researcher concluded that, the availability of recruitment policies is necessary but not significant where as the availability training, development and staffing policies are necessary and significant in improving teacher productivity in secondary schools in Kawempe Division.

The following recommendations were made: a study should be conducted to find out which factors to consider for recruitment of teachers in secondary schools. This could help headteachers on recruitment other than putting emphasis on experience while recruiting teachers as a tool to improve productivity because newly qualified teacher may be productive even when they do not have experience. Secondly, headteachers should endeavor to train and develop teachers to improve their productivity. Lastly headteachers should put more emphasis on staffing policy as a way of improving teacher productivity because it motivates teachers to be more committed to their job.

A descriptive study can be carried out to clearly define and list all the types of educational policies. This will be of great importance for teachers to implement the teacher related policies in secondary schools.