Influence of headteachers’ instructional supervision practices on pupils’ academic performance in junior high schools in Ashanti Mampong municipality

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the influence of headteachers’ instructional supervision on pupils’ academic performance in Junior High schools in Ashanti Mampong Municipality. The objective of this study was to establish the influence of headteachers’ evaluation of teachers’ lessons preparation, classroom observation, engagement in conferences, evaluation of teachers’ records of work, and influence of syllabus coverage on pupils’ academic performance in Ashanti Mampong Municipality. The study employed a descriptive survey design to target 431 teachers and 60 headteachers from 60 Junior High Schools in Ashanti Mampong Municipality. Purposive sampling method was used to select 25 headteachers and convenient sampling method was used to select 114 teachers from 25 junior high schools. This study employed questionnaires as data collection instruments. The findings indicated that 80% of the headteachers always ensured the preparation of scheme of work and lesson plan as required and provided their staff with teaching learning materials for instruction. The findings also revealed that 72% of the headteachers discussed lesson objectives with teachers, guided them to select teaching materials and tools, discussed special needs of students with teachers, discussed lesson areas for observation and also created good environment for respect and rapport with teachers. It is recommended that the teachers should be motivated and encouraged to share with headteachers areas where they need support to enhance effective teaching and learning, cooperate in appraising students’ exams results and also regularly monitor students exercise and work books.