Motivation and the performance of primary school teachers in Uganda: a case of Kimaanya-Kyabakuza Division, Masaka District

Abstract

Teacher motivation has become an important issue given their responsibility to impart knowledge and skills to learners. Consequently, this study investigated the effects of motivation on the performance of primary school teachers in Kimaanya-Kyabakuza division, Masaka district. Specifically, the study sought to find out whether motivation of teachers had any effect on their morale to perform and; the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on the performance of teachers. A descriptive survey research design was adapted where a total sample of 135 respondents including teachers, head teachers, school management committee members (SMC) and the Masaka Municipal Education Officer (MEO) were consulted. The primary data was collected using structured questionnaires for teachers, as well as key informant interview guides for head teachers and MEO. A focus group discussion was also held with SMC members in the area. Consequently, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Research findings revealed that the performance of teachers was good despite the fact that their motivation was inadequate. Besides, the majority of the teachers performed their activities with high morale as evidenced from reporting early at school, regular testing and examination of pupils and high turn up of teachers in staff meetings and school occasions among others. A significant positive relationship between intrinsic motivation and performance of teachers was also found to exist in primary schools in Kimaanya-Kabakuza division, Masaka district. On the other hand, a positive relationship was also revealed between extrinsic motivation and performance of teachers, implying that extrinsic motivation affected the performance of teachers in Kimaanya-Kyabakuza division. In order to improve teacher motivation and performance at work, the study recommended increase in the salary of primary teachers to match the increased cost of living, provision of accommodation to teachers, strengthening of supervision as well as instituting awards for good performance, among others.