TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL IN A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA

This research investigated the perceptions of teachers working at a secondary school in South-east Asia with regard to the performance appraisal system in place at their schools. The main purposes of the study were (a) to report an investigation into the teachers’ views of appraisal in detail, (b) to identify the key features of their perspectives, and (c) to develop a “theory” of effective appraisal that considers the numerous variables involved in its operation. This research employed a qualitative case study, wherein teachers were interviewed with a focus on their perceptions of the purposes, processes and impacts of the appraisal system. The findings of the study suggest that an open school culture, combined with a transparent appraisal process that encourages communication and collegial sharing of best practice, is very likely to result in performance appraisal systems that yields positive outcomes for teachers, students and schools.