The relationship between teachers’ preparation, motivation and academic performance in private and public schools in wareng sub-county, Kenya

Teachers are very important people in the education system. They play a central role at the school level, facilitating learning, planning, organization, leading and controlling the learning process. Many scholars attribute good performance to effectiveness and efficiency of teachers in teaching and proper utilization of material resources. This paper examines how teachers’ preparation and motivation to conduct class work influence academic performance in primary schools. The paper is based on a study conducted in Wareng Sub-County in Uasin Gishu Caounty, Kenya. The study covered a total of 55 public and 17 private schools distributed evenly among the five education Zones in the District. The figures translate to 52% and 68% of public and private schools respectively. Data collection was by means of questionnaire administered to teachers and head teachers. The results on performance were collected from the District Education Office. Performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) was used because it is a national examination that is not biased. The duration covered three years, 2007-2009. The study found out that teachers in private schools prepare more adequately compared to those in public schools. The main areas that were examined were: syllabus coverage, assessment of pupils learning climate and provision of instruction materials. Except in the later, public schools trucked being private schools in all the rest. The study also revealed that private schools motivate their teachers with items ranging from house equipment to finance. It was recommended that signing of performance contract should be implemented in public schools. This would eliminate laxity among teachers. Through the study findings, the management and head teachers of public schools may be able to discover why they cannot challenge private schools academically and more so ensure maximum academic results at the end of each academic year.