Background of the Study :
In the evolving landscape of education, the workload of teachers has become a subject of significant concern, particularly in secondary schools in Zuru LGA, Kebbi State. Teachers’ workload encompasses not only classroom instruction but also administrative duties, lesson planning, extracurricular responsibilities, and continuous professional development. In Zuru LGA, many educators report that an excessive workload adversely affects the quality of classroom interactions and, consequently, student learning outcomes (Ibrahim, 2023). Classroom interaction, defined as the dynamic exchange of ideas between teachers and students, is essential for fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment. However, when teachers are overburdened with non-instructional responsibilities, the time and energy available for meaningful engagement in the classroom are significantly reduced. This situation is further exacerbated by large class sizes, limited support staff, and inadequate infrastructural resources, all of which are common in many secondary schools in the region (Olawale, 2024). Research indicates that effective classroom interaction is directly linked to improved student comprehension, higher motivation, and better academic performance. Yet, the increasing administrative demands on teachers often force them to adopt a more didactic teaching approach, reducing opportunities for interactive and student-centered learning (Chinedu, 2023). Moreover, the pressure to meet curriculum standards, coupled with the expectation to fulfill extensive documentation requirements, results in less time for creative instructional methods and individual student engagement. Studies have shown that teachers experiencing high workload stress are more likely to exhibit signs of burnout, which further diminishes the quality of their interactions with students. In Zuru LGA, the challenges associated with high teachers’ workload have become a critical barrier to effective teaching and learning. While some schools have attempted to mitigate these challenges through administrative reforms and resource allocation, the overall impact on classroom interaction remains a concern. This study seeks to explore the influence of teachers’ workload on the dynamics of classroom interaction, examining how the distribution of tasks and responsibilities affects both teaching practices and student engagement. By understanding these relationships, the study aims to offer insights into how workload management can be improved to foster a more interactive and supportive classroom environment (Afolabi, 2023).
Statement of the Problem :
Secondary schools in Zuru LGA, Kebbi State, are increasingly challenged by the heavy workload imposed on teachers, which negatively impacts classroom interaction and student learning. Teachers are required to balance multiple responsibilities, including instructional delivery, lesson planning, grading, extracurricular supervision, and administrative tasks. This multifaceted workload leads to diminished interaction time with students and reduces the quality of pedagogical engagement (Yakubu, 2023). The excessive burden on teachers often results in hurried lesson delivery and limited opportunities for classroom discussion, feedback, and individualized attention, thereby hindering effective learning processes. Additionally, the administrative pressure to adhere to strict curricular and documentation requirements further compounds the problem. Such pressures not only affect the mental and physical well-being of teachers but also lead to a decline in their overall teaching efficacy. The diminished classroom interaction, in turn, contributes to lower student motivation and engagement, ultimately resulting in suboptimal academic performance. The current recruitment and resource allocation strategies in Zuru LGA have not sufficiently addressed the imbalance between teachers’ responsibilities and available support systems. Consequently, the quality of classroom instruction is compromised, with teachers struggling to create an interactive learning environment that is essential for student development. This study aims to systematically investigate the relationship between teachers’ workload and classroom interaction, focusing on how excessive responsibilities impact the quality of teaching and the academic outcomes of students. By identifying the specific factors contributing to workload-related stress, the research seeks to propose effective strategies for workload management that could enhance classroom interactions and improve overall educational quality in secondary schools (Adetokunbo, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
To assess the impact of teachers’ workload on the quality of classroom interaction.
To identify the key factors contributing to high workload among teachers in secondary schools.
To recommend strategies for reducing workload and enhancing classroom interaction.
Research Questions:
How does teachers’ workload affect classroom interaction in secondary schools in Zuru LGA?
What are the major factors contributing to high workload among teachers?
What measures can be taken to balance teachers’ workload and improve classroom engagement?
Research Hypotheses:
H1: High teachers’ workload is negatively associated with the quality of classroom interaction.
H2: There is a significant relationship between administrative duties and reduced interactive teaching practices.
H3: Implementing workload management strategies will significantly enhance classroom interaction.
Significance of the Study :
The study is significant in highlighting the detrimental effects of excessive workload on classroom interaction in secondary schools in Zuru LGA. Its findings will provide actionable insights for educational administrators and policymakers to implement workload management strategies, ultimately improving teaching quality and student engagement. The research offers a foundation for developing policies that ensure a balanced distribution of responsibilities among teachers, thus fostering a more interactive and productive learning environment (Bello, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to secondary schools in Zuru LGA, Kebbi State, focusing on the impact of teachers’ workload on classroom interaction. It examines internal factors related to workload distribution and excludes other external influences.
Definitions of Terms:
Teachers’ Workload: The total range of responsibilities and tasks assigned to teachers beyond classroom teaching.
Classroom Interaction: The dynamic and reciprocal communication between teachers and students during instructional activities.
Secondary Schools: Educational institutions offering education to students typically aged 12 to 18.
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