Professional Competence of Teachers and Its Contribution to Students’ Academic Excellence

Abstract

To investigate the impact of professional education of teachers on student performance in the secondary level, paying attention to the differences between professionally trained and untrained teachers. The study used descriptive mixed method design. Study was conducted in public and secondary schools (Rawalpindi, Pakistan). The research was to be conducted to gather both secondary-level students and teachers with the help of structured interviews, questionnaires and classroom observation checklists. The target group comprised of both teachers and students in the public and private secondary schools. Convenience sampling was used to select a sample of 100-150 students and 30 teachers. Questionnaire-based data analysis was proposed to use descriptive analysis and SPSS.  The reviewed literature in this research suggests that teacher education at the professional level enhances the pedagogical knowledge, classroom management, lesson planning, assessment practices and application of effective teaching strategies by teachers. These professional competences are associated with increased student engagement and student achievement especially at the secondary level. Professional education of teachers is significant in enhancing academic performance of students. The teachers who are professionally trained have the higher chances of employing the right teaching techniques, teaching materials and assessment tools, which facilitate learning. The report suggests that teacher preparation and training should be strengthened to enhance the standards of teaching and learning in the secondary schools.