An Evaluation of Teachers Performance Appraisal System in Botswana’s Public Secondary Schools: The Case of Lehutshelo Junior Secondary School

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17760660

Page: 1703-1713

Abraham Masole¹ and Christopher Dick-Sagoe² (School of Business and Management Studies, Botswana Open University, Botswana¹ and Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana², Department of Development Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa²)

Effective teaching is crucial for shaping students’ futures and preparing them to be responsible citizens, which underscores the importance of enhancing teachers’ competencies and their ability to adapt to evolving student needs to improve educational standards. Drawing on the prediction of goal-setting theory, the study examined the components of effective performance appraisal systems as a tool for improving teaching quality in Botswana’s public secondary schools. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research collected and analyzed both quantitative and qualitative data. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants, including teachers and senior management, based on specific characteristics relevant to the study. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and thematic content analysis were used to evaluate the data. Results revealed that clear standards, effective communication, and active teacher involvement are essential for successful appraisals, with a supportive environment being critical for fostering professional growth. The study identified immediate supervisors as key appraisers, highlighting the need for their training to ensure fair and effective appraisals. While most participants viewed appraisals positively for personal development and performance improvement, concerns about their purpose and impact were also noted, underscoring the need for policymakers in Botswana to prioritize clear standards, effective communication, and active teacher involvement in the development and implementation of appraisal systems.