The relationship between motivational factors and performance of physical education teachers in the Somanya zone of the Eastern Region of Ghana

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between motivational factors and performance of physical education teachers‟ that is the extent to which motivational factors such as opportunities for promotion, provision of incentives, and professional growth would influence the performance of physical education teachers in the Somanya Zone. A quantitative research approach was used for the study. The research techniques used were the descriptive method and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC). Two research questions were raised and two hypotheses were tested. The instrument used was structured questionnaire. A sample of 100 trained male and female physical education teachers from the Senior High Schools was drawn by purposive sampling method. Data were gathered through the administration of questionnaire to the sample selected for the study. In all, 100 self administered questionnaires were distributed among the physical education teachers and they returned all completed useable questionnaires for response rate of 100%. The participation in investigation was voluntary and confidentiality of responses was ensured. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC). The statistical analysis showed that different magnitudes of motivational factors are significantly correlated to high level of performance of physical education teachers that brings about productivity. Frequencies and percentages were used to present data. The findings of the study revealed that opportunities for professional growth, provision of incentives, free accommodation, transportation allowance, regular refresher courses, training workshops, recognition, were significant motivational factors that enhance performance of respondents. The conclusions drawn from this study were that if physical education teachers are well motivated, they would perform well. Some recommendations like workshops and regular in-service training should be organized for physical education teachers in order upgrade theses teachers‟ skills and improve their performance. There is also the need to make sure that physical education teachers are motivated effectively in Ghana.