INFLUENCE OF TEACHERS’ INTERPERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS ON STUDENTS' ATTITUDES TOWARD LEARNING AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study examined the effect of teachers' interpersonal and professional skills on students' attitudes toward learning and academic performance in junior secondary schools. The study was guided by two research questions. Descriptive survey research design was employed. The study population consisted of 8,128 teachers from public junior secondary schools across the FCT, Abuja, with a sample size of 367 teachers selected using the Research Advisor’s sample size determination technique. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire constructed in a 4-point Likert scale format. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that teachers' interpersonal skills influence students' attitudes toward learning, and teachers' professional skills enhanced students' academic performance. Based on the results, it was recommended that teacher training institutions incorporate interpersonal skills modules into their curricula, and regular workshops and seminars on professional development particularly in instructional delivery, classroom management, and subject-specific strategies should be organized for teachers.