Influence of Workload on Teacher Burnout in Public Secondary Schools in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Tabitha Gituriandu; Mwaura Kimani; Newton Mukolwe

doi:10.51867/ajer.v2i1.16

Authors

Tabitha Gituriandu
tabbykarimi2@gmail.com
Maasai Mara University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5909-7738
Mwaura Kimani Maasai Mara University
Newton Mukolwe Maasai Mara University

Keywords:

Workload, Teacher Burnout, Secondary Schools, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Abstract

Ideally, teachers should work in stress-free environments to effectively fulfill their teaching roles. However, they often face various challenges while carrying out their responsibilities. This study examined the influences of workload on teacher burnout in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and was founded on the Multidimensional Theory of Burnout and Golembiewski and Munzenrider’s models of burnout. It targeted 154 principals and 2383 teachers from 154 schools, in addition to 25 Teachers Service Commission (TSC) officers and 7 Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs) from Tharaka Nithi County. Out of these, 343 teachers and 46 principals from 46 schools, in addition to all the 25 TSC and 7 QASO officers, were sampled using two-stage cluster random sampling, purposive sampling, and simple random techniques. Data was collected using questionnaires from teachers, interview schedules from TSC and QASO officers, and data collection forms. The reliability of the questionnaires was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, which yielded values of 0.82 and 0.87 for workload and teacher burnout, indicating good reliability at 0.7. Quantitative data from questionnaires was analyzed descriptively by using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, as well as inferentially by using Pearson correlation. For qualitative data from open-ended questions in the questionnaires, interviews, and secondary data transcripts, content analysis was employed. The findings revealed a positive and significant correlation between teacher burnout in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya (the dependent variable) and workload (r = 0.275, P<0.05). Based on the findings, it was concluded that workload contributed to teacher burnout. The study recommended a need to employ more teachers and fairly distribute them in Tharaka Nithi County so as to lessen workload challenges among teachers. The study's primary beneficiaries are teachers, principals, TSC officers, and QASO officers.

Dimensions

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