Quality education in senior high schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana : the role of teachers

Abstract

This study investigates the roles of teachers in ensuring quality education at the Senior High Schools. The study was underpinned by the Total Quality Management (TQM) theory by Edwards Deming (1982). The study adopted a positivism paradigm using an explanatory predictive cross sectional survey research design employing a quantitative method. The study used questionnaires to collect data from teachers in the Senior High Schools within the Cape Coast Metropolis totaling 1,154. A proportionate stratified sampling technique was applied to sample 313 teachers for the study. Primary data were collected ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines throughout the data collection process. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics (means and standard deviation) as well as Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that the level of teachers’ roles in ensuring quality education in the SHS was high. Further, the study showed that advanced degree and specialised training had a significant positive effect on quality education (β = 0.254, p<0.05) but collaboration and networking had no significant effect on quality education (β = 0.071, p=0.403). In conclusion, teachers play a significant role in ensuring quality education in SHS as evidenced by their high level of performance across various indicators. However, there are areas for further improvement, such as promoting collaboration and providing targeted support in technology integration, to maximize teachers' impact on student learning and achievement. It is recommended that efforts to promote and support teachers continued learning and growth should be prioritized within educational policies and practices.