Impact Of Training On Work Performance- A Case Of Secondary Schools In Chipata District

Student performance is important if a country is to develop in all sectors of development. This is to a large extent dependent on teacher performance. The performance of grade 12 pupils for the past three years has been deteriorating. Statistics from the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) for the past three years indicates a decrease in the pass rate from 2013 to 2015 at 60.2%, 55.9% and 57% respectively as a proportion of Candidates obtaining full School Certificates (ECZ results 2016). This prompted the need for undertaking this research.

This research paper consists of five chapters: chapter one presents the background to the research. Chapter two and three presents literature review and conceptual framework, and chapter four presents the methodology. Chapter five and six looks at data analysis and research findings and results, whereas chapter seven looks at discussion and interpretation of the results and chapter eight presents conclusions and recommendations. The study was based on the following questions: what factors affect teacher training in secondary schools? How can training be aligned to the training needs and syllabi? What are the effects of training on teacher work performance?

From the study, it was revealed that training has a positive impact on teacher’s work performance. It revealed that the training policy was being implemented in a haphazard manner. Inadequate training needs analysis, poor coordination, discrimination in availing training opportunities, and public officials undertaking training without due authority at the expense of government.

In view of the above factors, some recommendations were made: Teachers need to understand the training policy, the need to review the current methods and criteria for conducting training needs assessments. There is need to increase the allocation of funds for training and development, and performance indicators should be drawn to form the basis for effective monitoring and evaluation of training and development.