STAFF MOTIVATION AS A TOOL FOR EFFECTIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION IN AGUATA EDUCATION ZONE OF ANAMBRA STATE

ABSTRACT

It is believed that teachers in secondary schools no longer manifest expected desirable attitudes, behaviour and competencies. These poor work attitudes and behaviour are attributed to lack of poor motivation to teaching profession. The purpose of this study was to examine the staff motivation as a tool for effective secondary school administration. In Aguata zone of Anambra State. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. Descriptive survey design was used for the study, 400 teachers were selected from a population of 791, and 20 schools from a total of 51 secondary schools distributed in Aguata Education zone in Anambra State. Data were collated using a four point scale, question are of 24 items, comprising of two sections. These have reliability coefficient values of 0.86 and 0.99 respectively. The reliability coefficients were determined using Crombach alpha reliability coefficient technique. Analysis was done using standared deviation and mean scores for answering the research questions and t-test for testing the null hypotheses. Finding revealed that Urban and Rural teachers in secondary schools were aware of the strategies that would enhance the motivation of teachers towards better performance and measures that could be adopted to enhance motivation but do not experience them.  Some of these strategies include prompt and regular payment of salaries, opportunities for advancement in the teaching profession, allowances for administrative works, good prospects of promotion in the teaching profession etc.  Measures indicated for enhancement of staff motivation communication between teachers and school administrators good working environment, recognition of teachers for the work they do and also paying teachers salaries on regular basis. It was recommended that both state government and school administrators should be alive to the responsibilities of teachers. Urgent attention to these findings and recommendation will likely enhance teacher’s commitment to teaching profession hence improved quality instruction.