Staff development and its effect on pupil academic performance in selected primary schools of Nsangi sub-county, Wakiso district.

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of staff development on academic performance of pupils in primary schools in Nsangi Sub County, Wakiso District. Specifically, it examined the nature of teacher development and its effect on pupil academic performance, the kind of skills acquired through staff development and, factors that motivate teachers to undertake retraining. A cross-sectional research design was adopted and data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and tables. The research findings revealed that teachers were retrained in form of workshops, seminars, in-service programmes, guidance and counseling, full-time further training, coaching by experienced staff and exhibition among others. Consequently, a significant positive relationship between teacher retraining and academic performance of pupils was established. Various skills like life skills, leadership skills, counseling and guidance, innovation on classroom instruction and team work among others were acquired by teachers from the retraining programmes attended. Teachers were motivated to undergo retraining in order to cope with curriculum and technological changes, need for professional growth, promotions, salary increment and periodical transfers. Despite this, teachers undergoing retraining courses were faced with several challenges like limited funds for facilitation and failure to pay training allowances among others. In order to improve teaching skills and consequently academic performance of pupils, the study recommended annual teacher retraining programmes to keep teachers abreast with up to-date teaching methods to improve pupil academic performance, encouraging teachers to participate in retraining programmes and instituting a teacher retraining allowance to enable teachers who commute long distances to acquire quick means of transport and subsistence.