The effects of teachers workload on learners academic performance in secondary schools Hlanganeni Circuit, Vhembe District

Abstract

The effectiveness of teaching and learning in the classroom is correlated with teachers' workload. The kind of burden teachers have affects the academic performance of their learners. Due to a lack of staff, access to resources, and multi-grade teaching, teachers in secondary schools with low learner enrolment face the significant challenge of a workload that is above the teacher-pupil ratio. In contrast, teachers in schools with high learner enrolment deal with overcrowded classes that are challenging to manage. Therefore, the goal of this study is to examine how a teacher's workload affects secondary school learners' academic performance. A phenomenological research design will be used in this research. Data will be gathered using focus groups and face-to-face interviews. All ten secondary schools in the Hlanganani North circuit will make up the study population. There are 5246 learners and 165 teachers. The criteria for selecting secondary schools will be based on school enrolment. One secondary school with high enrolment and the other with lower enrolment in the Hlanganani North circuit will be chosen for this study. The study's participants will be chosen using a purposeful sampling method. Interviews will be conducted with 14 teachers (seven from each school), two department heads, and two school principals. The acquired data will be analysed via thematic data analysis. The study will concentrate on enacting change and finding solutions for the identified issue. Hopefully, the study will be advantageous to the Department of education and the schools' principals, teachers, and learners.