MOTIVATING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-BASED TEACHERS FOR EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY IN THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

Abstract

The paper discussed the idea of motivating science and technology-based teachers for effectiveness and efficiency in the educational system. The impact of science and technology can be felt in almost all spheres ofhuman endeavour. Teachers help to transmit knowledge, processes, methods and products of science and technology to the learners. Other agents in the educational system contribute in building and maintaining standard structure, but teacher quality is identified as one of the most significant factor. Motivation as one of the identified ways of raising and maintaining high teacher quality was discussed. Meaning of motivation was viewed from different authors' perspectives which is the driving force upon which all human activities are hinged. Science and technology teachers' motivation is influenced by some internal and external factors. Some of these factors of teacher motivation emanate principally either from biological make-up of individual or the environment in which the individual found him/herself. Importance of motivation and ways of motivating teachers were outlined. Motivating science and technology-based teachers to use experiments extensively and innovative teaching strategies that are learner -centred and problem -solving-based is emphasized. The aims and objectives of teachers' motivation are for effectiveness and efficiency of teachers which eventually will culminate into improved performance by the end product students. Solutions to the numerous problems of humanity and society will be readily available. Some criteria used in measuring teachers' effectiveness were pointed out. Factors that affect teachers' effectiveness and efficiency were mentioned and some recommendations made. Responsibilities of the supervisory authority on one hand and that of the science and technology -based teachers on the other hand to ensure motivation all aimed towards effectiveness and efficiency in the educational system were highlighted.