INFLUENCE OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ JOB PERFORMANCE IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Staff development programmes act as a catalyst for teachers effectiveness. It is a potent means of updating teachers' skills and knowledge for improving instruction and learning. This study investigated the influence of staff development programmes on secondary school teachers' job performance in Anambra State, Nigeria. A single hypothesis guided the study. Data were collected using two sets of questionnaires titled "Staff Development Programme Questionnaire" (SDPQ) and "Teachers' Job Performance Questionnaire" (TJPQ). SDPQ was administered on 450 teachers while TJPQ was administered on 1800 students to assess teachers' job performance. Data collected were analyzed using Independent t-test statistic at 0.05 level of significance. Findings showed that teachers who participated in staff development programmes were more effective in their job performance than those who did not, in terms of knowledge of subject matter, classroom management, teaching methods and evaluation of student's work. It was recommended among others, that the Ministry of Education and State Secondary Education Board in Anambra State should on a regular basis organize training programmes for teachers. Such programmes should relate to subject contents, use of teaching aids, lesson preparation and delivery, classroom management and student's evaluation.