EFFECTS OF FREE PRIMARY EDUCATION ON TEACHER MOTIVATION IN LOWER PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NAROK CENTRAL DIVISION OF NAROK DISTRICT, KENYA
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of FPE on teacher motivation in lower primary school in Narok Central Division of Narok District. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. Literature review focused on concept of motivation, theories of motivation, teacher motivation and students’ achievement, background to Free Primary Education in Kenya, types of motivation, FPE and teacher motivation, motivational factors and review of teacher motivation in developed countries. The study employed a descriptive survey. Data was collected by use of questionnaire for 23 sampled teachers and interview guide for the 16 head teachers sampled. Findings revealed that pupil enrollment had a direct-influence on teacher’s motivation. Most of schools had large classes. Teachers felt that they were not motivated to deal with the high number of pupils. It was also revealed that teaching load had an effect of teacher motivation. Due to high teaching load, teachers could not give and mark assignment, they had to prepare and teach many lessons hence this was de motivating to them. It was revealed that teachers had not been prepared to handle the large number of pupils. They also reported that FPE was introduced without prior preparation. Teachers felt that lack of preparation was a cause of low motivation. High teacher-pupil ratio affected teachers' motivation. Teachers responded that they were dissatisfied with the teacher pupil ratio in their schools. The findings show the physical facilities in the schools were not adequate to cater for the number of pupils. Teachers had low level of motivation which had a direct implication on their behavior. They said that it had led to stress, lack of interest in the work, lack of external and external motivation which ultimately led to poor performance in examinations. Based on the findings of the study it was concluded that large enrollment and overstretching of physical facilities and learning resources, attributed to FPE affected teachers*motivation. It was also concluded that teachers were not prepared before the introduction of FPE which reduced motivation. The study also concluded that teachers were highly dissatisfied with the number of pupils they had in the class. It was concluded that the overall motivation of teachers was low. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that teachers should be motivated by use of external motivators to counteract the internal motivation. It was also recommended that the government should have better remuneration of teachers so that they may not be demotivated. Lastly the Government through the Teachers Service Commission should improve the working conditions of teachers by increasing teachers in schools hence lessening the high pupil teacher ratio; Taking the limitations and delimitations of the study it was suggested that a study on whether there is any significant relationship between teacher’s motivational levels and their motivation should be conducted. Another study on whether teachers’ motivation has any effect of pupil performance should also be conducted.
Publisher
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
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