Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Volume 37 | Issue 11

Article 5

2012

Teaching Quality and Performance Among

Experienced Teachers in Malaysia
Siti Rafiah Abd Hamid
International Islamic University Malaysia, [email protected]

Sharifah Sariah Syed Hassan

International Islamic University Malaysia, [email protected]

Nik Ahmad Hisham Ismail

Institute of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia, 53100 Jalan gombak, Kuala Lumpur, West Malaysia,
[email protected]

Recommended Citation
Abd Hamid, S. R., Syed Hassan, S. S., & Ismail, N. H. (2012). Teaching Quality and Performance Among Experienced Teachers in
Malaysia. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 37(11).
http://dx.doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2012v37n11.2

This Journal Article is posted at Research Online.

http://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte/vol37/iss11/5

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Teaching Quality and Performance Among Experienced Teachers in

Malaysia
Siti Rafiah Abd Hamid
Sharifah Sariah Syed Hassan
International Islamic University Malaysia
Nik Ahmad Hisham Ismail
Institute of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia

Abstract: The role of teachers has evolved from merely being teachercentered to one that is student centered and the skills required for a
quality teacher are changing too. Assessing teachers effectiveness
will not be a straight forward attempt by solely examining students
achievements or students perceptions of their teachers attributes. A
careful examination of the teaching concepts, one as a form of labor
and profession (Firestone & Bader, 1991); or the other as a craft
and art (Grimmett & MacKinnon, 1992) will indicate that it involves
teachers cognitive ability and interpersonal skills (soft skills) which
enhance teachers performance in the classroom. Furthermore, the
National Framework for Professional Standards (MCEETYA, 2003)
has outlined that teachers professional value (quality and
professional knowledge and skills) will impact the management of
students learning. Based on these concepts, this study investigated a
teacher effectiveness model. The framework of this investigation
measured the teachers cognitive ability (skills of assessment and
evaluation, IT skills, and co-curricular knowledge) and the teachers
personality or interpersonal skills (soft skills). The respondents were
experienced teachers working in Malaysia. A set of questionnaires
with 120 questions were constructed by the researchers and were
administered among 2000 school teachers from different types of
schools. However, only 1366 completed questionnaires were analyzed
while 634 responses were removed due to incomplete data. Utilizing
structural equation model (SEM), this study attempted to ascertain the
validity of the structural model of which teachers cognitive abilities
and personalities predict teachers performances. The results revealed
a model fit with both cognitive abilities and personality predicting
classroom management. Good personality alone, however, is
insufficient in terms of enhancing the teachers commitment and
responsibilities towards their students unless it is complemented by
the teachers cognitive competency (cognitive abilities)

Introduction
Malaysian teachers are aware of the global challenges especially in preparing
themselves to achieve the goal of the National Education Philosophy (NEP). Findings from
research indicated that teacher quality is associated with students performance. Good

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teachers do not only display their competence in the subject area but also support their
students in terms of displaying friendliness, optimism and creating a conducive learning
environment. This ensures the quality of the human capital from the physical and spiritual
sense. Currently, the Malaysian primary schools employ graduate teachers, whereas only
college-trained teachers were required to serve these schools in the past. Concurrently, the
Ministry of Education (MOE) is conducting curriculum reform which emphasizes on task and
activity based classroom approaches. The current trend in teaching and learning suggests that
active student participation and discussion enhance higher order thinking. Information
technology (IT) skills are also given precedence to be integrated across all disciplines.
Teachers are also school managers who manage their students in and out the
classroom. Thus, curricular and co-curricular activities must be planned and executed
effectively to ensure students holistic development (Abdul Rashid & Bokkasam, 2005).
Statistics show that co-curricular activities increase students success rate in high school
(Gandolfo, 2011). However, are Malaysian teachers truly ready for the implementation of the
co-curricular activities? Do they have sufficient proper training, knowledge and resources?
The most important task for the teachers is their time management, which requires them to
juggle curricular and co-curricular activities effectively. This study is intended to examine the
effect of teacher qualities, namely personality and cognitive ability, on their classroom
management, commitment and responsibilities. Hence the purpose of this research is to
validate the proposed model of teacher quality on their performances among experienced
teachers in Malaysia as represented in Figure 1.0.

Teacher Effectiveness
When teachers display good qualities they are considered effective. Quality teachers
and effectiveness are intertwined with the same strands in the literature review with the
stakeholders who determined teachers effectiveness including students, principals or their
peer. Past studies suggested that, teachers effectiveness could be measured by the impact of
teachers on students achievement (Brophy, 1986; Darling-Hammond, 1999; Rice, 2003). On
the other hand, teacher quality was also associated with high salary in previous years (Figlio,
1996). In the Malaysian context, low wages are no longer an issue as teachers are now better
paid with high allowances. Measuring teacher quality has become very complex as it involves
teaching preparation and confidence (Darling-Hammond, 2000), experience and knowledge
(Goe, 2007; Schmidt & Hunter, 1983), pedagogical skills, positive attitude, as well as
organized and managed classroom skills (Waxman et. al., 2003).
In reviewing the literature related to teacher quality models, Harris and Rutledge
(2007) have concluded that the predictors of teacher quality and effectiveness are cognitive
ability, personality attributes and educational background. For instance, a recent study
conducted among new math teachers in New York found that teachers cognitive ability,
content knowledge, personality traits, and feelings of self-efficacy are among the
determinants of students outcome (Rockoff et al., 2008). However, the latest studies have
also included elements, namely: teaching from the perspectives of profession, art, and labor.
The concept of labor indicates that the work done by teacher at school must be accurately
assessed by the administrators and school principals. Contemporary teachers in the 21st
century are geared towards adopting and adapting new teaching theories and external policies
and issues. As the policies keep changing and becoming uncertain at times, it is important
that teachers make fast and good decisions in their teaching instructions. As a profession,
teaching can be seen to include the technical knowledge which encompasses professional
judgment that requires strong knowledge base or cognitive ability. Harris and Rutledge

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(2007), in analyzing the teacher effectiveness model of the profession, elaborated that
teachers who engage themselves professionally are more likely to participate in ongoing
improvement. The third model of teaching as crafts and art, indicates a focus on teacherstudent interaction as well as the use of appropriate instructional techniques. This concept
reflects the personality of the teachers which emphasizes the teacher-student relationship.
However, the concepts of teacher effectiveness cannot be separated and defined distinctly.
Thus, the current study was aimed at investigating the model of teacher quality from three
dimensions: labor, profession, and art and craft.

Cognitive Abilities

In Malaysia, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has always emphasized recruiting

smart candidates to be enrolled in the teaching profession. Measures have been taken to
ensure that the right candidates will be shortlisted to fill these vacancies in schools. As a
measure for ascertaining the candidate who is truly qualified for the teaching profession, an
aptitude test known as MEdsi has been developed and pilot-tested several years for sound
validity and reliability. The MEdsi consists of five components namely, the quantitative (30
questions, 30 minutes); English Language (25 items, 30 minutes); INSAK (psychological test,
135 items, 30 minutes); analytical (20 items, 30 minutes); and verbal components (25
questions, 30 minutes). This test is quite comprehensive as it has several cognitive
components (quantitative, English Language, analytical and verbal components). Hence, it is
evident that the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia
prioritized teachers cognitive abilities as part of the teacher-trainee yearly intake
requirements. This is consistent with studies that empirically supported that teachers
cognitive abilities do determine students academic performance and effective classroom
management (Rice, 2003; Khojastehmehr & Takrimi, 2009; Wayne &Young, 2003; Rockoff,
Jacob, Kane & Staiger, 2008). Rice (2003) in her book entitled Teacher Quality:
Understanding the Effectiveness of Teacher Attributes indicated that the teachers literacy
level and verbal abilities were significantly related to students academic achievement
/performance. A study by Khojastehmehr and Takrimi (2009) supports the fact that teachers
cognitive ability (knowledge) is important in determining the teacher quality and
effectiveness. This fact is also supported by Wayne and Young (2003) who concluded in their
study that students learn more from teachers with certain cognitive characteristics (master
the content-knowledge, know how to design and deliver their knowledge for a diverse
classroom effectively). In the same manner, Rockoff, Jacob, Kane and Staiger (2008) found
that cognitive factors affect both teacher and students performance. In summary, findings
from these studies indicated that teachers cognitive abilities have a causal relationship with
classroom management and students academic performance.

Teacher Personality

According to Polk (2006) highly effective teachers display certain personality traits
which affect instructional and student achievement. In the past studies, Myers Briggs
developed indicators for personality traits which focus on different aspect of traits and several
inventories (Krueger 1972; Schmidt, Lewis, & Kurpius-Brock 1991; Teachout 2001;
Wubbenhorst 1991). Other studies focused on collective individual behaviors, such as
ambition, intelligence, sense of humor, (Erdle, Murray, & Rushton 1985; Henry & Rohwer

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2004; Murray, Rushton, & Paunonen 1990; Teachout 1997) and some on teacher intensity or
enthusiasm (Madsen, Standley, & Cassidy 1989; Yarbrough & Madsen 1998).
Previous studies on teacher personality attributes have found several profound
personality traits among highly effective teachers. In examining selected studies on empirical
studies of effective teacher and personality traits, Rachmer and Martin (2001) examined
seven (7) personality traits: extraversion, approachable, outgoing, establishing a caring,
loving and warm atmosphere with students, have a sound knowledge of subject matter, take a
personal interest in each student, and enthusiastic personality with a sense of humor and 8
items reflecting teaching effectiveness. The findings indicated that effective teachers display
extraverted traits, approachable, enthusiastic, and outgoing with a sense of humor.
Richardson and Arker (2010) employed the Connectivity by Design Interconnect
Questionnaire (The Grant Company, 2007) which helps teachers and guidance counsellors to
better understand their students and coworkers. The personality items were classified as
Bridge Builder Style, Bottom Liner Style, Thinker Style and Energizer Style. The findings
indicated that 67 percent of students scored moderately on each of the four styles. The
remaining 33 percent were split fairly evenly among high scorers and low scorers - a pattern
that held true across all four styles. Educators results were less consistent across the four
styles. Their scores only mirrored the students scores for the Bridge Builder style, although
Bottom Liner scores were fairly comparable between the two groups. Discrepancies among
students and educators surfaced across the Thinker and Energizer Styles, it was found that
educators scored more significantly higher on Thinker and considerably lower on Energizer
when compared to students. This finding suggest that educators need to work on the
Energizer component in order to keep abreast with their students.
Kneipp, Biscoe, and Richard (2010) examined the effects of teacher personality
characteristics on students perception via the Big Five Personality Test (Buchanan, 2001)
which measures the five personality characteristics of Openness, Conscientiousness,
Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. The stepwise linear regression equation was
employed to measure how each personality factor predicts instructional quality, with each
personality variable (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and
Neuroticism) as the predictor variables and instructional quality as the criterion variable. The
results showed that agreeableness was the only significant predictor.
Khojastehmehr and Takrimi (2009) examined the characteristics of effective teachers
from the perspectives of the English teachers. A 50-item researcher-constructed questionnaire
was administered and the data were analyzed via Principal Component Analysis. The analysis
yielded four constructs namely (a) instructional strategies (15 items), (b) communication
(social) skills (8 items), (c) personal characteristics (8 items), and (d) knowledge (5 items).
The factor loadings for personality attributes prioritized by the respondents were flexibility,
supportiveness, kind and friendly, lovely character, warm and cheerful, just to all students,
able to communicate to uninterested students, and tolerate usage of mother-tongue when
facilitating students participation.
John et al., (1991) classified teacher personality traits as agreeableness,
conscientiousness, emotional stability, extraversion, and openness to experience. These traits
were adopted by Barrick and Mount (1991) and gauged their relationship with job
performance. The findings indicated that conscientiousness is found to be positively related
to job performance.
Similarly, Danili and Reid (2006) and Ozel (2007) in their studies on the relationship
between teachers personality traits and students academic performance found that teachers
personality traits do affect students test performance.
However, teacher personality is not the same as any other job related areas. It requires
religious values, moral and teaching ethics which are bound by the mission and vision of the

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education philosophy. In summary, the above findings suggested that certain effective and
quality teachers display certain personality traits such as conscientiousness, emotional
stability, openess to experience, extraverted, approachable, enthusiastic, outgoing, sense of
humor, thinker, supportiveness, warm, kind, friendly, just, cheerful, communicative, able to
relate to uninterested students and tolerate usage of mother-tongue (Polk, 2006; Rachmer &
Martin, 2001; Richardson & Arker, 2010; Kneipp, Biscoe & Richard, 2010; Khojastehmehrs
& Takrimi, 2009; John et al, 1991; Barrick & Mount, 1991; Danili & Reid, 2006; Ozel,
2007).
Classroom management

Teachers abilities to organize the classroom and manage their students behaviors are
prerequisites to effective classroom management. Teachers who are capable of managing
their classroom effectively would reassure better educational outcome. This view is supported
by Oliver and Reschly (2007) who suggested that teachers ability to organize and manage
students behaviors would result in positive educational outcomes. Emmer and Stough (2001)
were of the view that educators who are effective instructors would reduce or minimize
highly disruptive classroom behaviors. Conroy, Sutherland, Snyder and Marsh (2008) found
that students who are engaged in the learning process are less likely to demonstrate problem
behaviors and more likely to engage in active and correct responses. In any learning activity,
there is bound to be healthy competitions between the students. These healthy competitions
enhanced leadership spirit and mutual understanding between the winning and losing teams.
The winning team was awarded and the losing team stayed focus and continued with their
work. The classroom was well under control. Zapatero, Maheshwari and Chen (2011) who
examined the effectiveness of the collaborative learning environment in the classroom along
with the testing methodologies noted that, there was a dramatic increase in the engagement
level of students by the instructor as the classroom environments were changed each
semester.
The combination of constructivist-based modifications to the instructional delivery
plus the utilization of the tablet PCs within the InkSurvey Tool environment have made it
possible and effective in creating a learner-centered, knowledge-centered community of
inquiry where students are actively engaged in pursuing knowledge. Halawah (2011) who
examined factors that motivate college students to learn from their perspective found that the
teachers personalities, teaching methodologies and positive classroom management are the
main factors that motivate students to learn.
Commitment and responsibilities

Studies have suggested that teachers or instructors who are committed and responsible
or accountable for their classroom and students would result in classroom and teachers
effectiveness. Numerous studies found that commitment and responsibilities ensure quality or
effective classroom management and teaching effectiveness. In a survey conducted by
Sturman (2002) on school teachers in primary and secondary schools, the findings indicated
that secondary teachers are more responsible and involved rather than primary teachers.
Moreover, the findings from this study also indicated that teachers roles and responsibilities
would have an impact on the teachers quality of working life as well as their working hours.
Sood and Anand (2010) examined the element of professional commitment among Bachelor
of Education (B.Ed.) Teacher educators in Himachal Pradesh. Results showed that the level
of professional commitment of B. Ed. teacher educators in Himachal Pradesh is moderate.
Significant differences were found in professional commitment of B. Ed. teacher educators
with regard to gender, marital status and teaching experience. However, qualified and nonVol 37, 11, November 2012

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qualified teacher educators were found to have similar level of commitment towards their
profession. Renolds (2008) examined specific teacher qualities associated with exemplary
teachers as determined by pre-service educators seeking teacher certification. Also examined
were: (1) gender differences in students perceptions of exemplary teacher qualities as well
as: (2) exemplary teachers influences on students' decisions to enter the teaching profession.
Education students selected five qualities (from a list of twenty) that best described their
exemplary teachers and then ranked them. Findings revealed that students consider that a
skilled teacher may be more able to be enthusiastic that their exemplary teachers demonstrate
defining personality attributes that outweigh the importance of professional skills.
"Enthusiasm" was ranked as the most important quality for males and females. A gender
difference emerged having 41% of the males selected the personality characteristic of
"enthusiasm" as a top five descriptor and an equal percentage of males selected "subject
knowledge", a professional skill characteristic. No females chose professional skills as their
top quality descriptors. Exemplary teachers were reported to positively influence students
achievement and pre-service educators' decisions to enter the teaching profession.

Theoretical Framework and Hypotheses

The current study was undertaken along a framework designed by Harris and
Rutledge (2007). In the context of this study, teacher effectiveness was derived from the
aspect of teacher via his or her profession. This study investigated the teacher
effectiveness/quality model by predicting teacher quality based on his or her performances.
The National Framework for Professional Standards of teaching in Australia (2003) outlined
the attributes of professional practice: effective classroom management, interactive or
effective communication with students and continuous improvement with respect of
knowledge and best practices.
Findings from previous studies on best teacher performances (Brown, 2004)
suggested several best classroom practices by teachers, namely: effective classroom
management, commitment and responsibility. Brown emphasized that effective classroom
management includes the teachers ability to respond appropriately to the emotional, social,
cultural, and cognitive needs of the students. Effective teachers manage their students by
creating a conducive classroom environment in which students agree to respect their teachers
and fellow students (high level of social tolerance). This high level of tolerance involves
interpersonal skills which display care, respect, congruent communication process and
assertiveness. Figure 1.0 presents the proposed model and the hypotheses of the relationships.

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TEACHER QUALITY

TEACHER PRACTICE/PERFORMANCE

COGNITIVE
ABILITY

CLASSROOM
MANAGEMENT

PERSONALITY

COMMITMENT &
RESPONSIBILITY

Figure 1.0: Model of teacher quality and performance

H1: cognitive ability significantly correlates with personality

H2: cognitive ability significantly influences classroom management
H3: cognitive ability significantly influences commitment and
responsibilities
H4: personality significantly influences classroom management
H5: personality significantly influences commitment and responsibilities

Research Design
This study adopted a quantitative approach which included the survey method through
the administration of questionnaires. Survey research determines and describes the way
things are and compares how subgroups (namely male versus female and experienced versus
inexperienced teachers) view issues and topics.

Respondents/Sampling Procedure

A random sampling procedure was used to determine the sample for this study.
Random sampling was chosen to increase generalizability through wider participation of
respondents and representative of the population. Representative sampling enables the
researcher to generalize and make claims of knowledge about the population. According to
Gay, Mills, and Airasian (2006) samples should be as large as possible; in general, the larger
the sample, the more representative it is likely to be, and the more generalizable the results of
the study are likely to be. To serve the purpose of this study, feedback and responses were
obtained from teachers of various locations in Malaysia. They comprised secondary and
primary schools teachers from the northern, central, southern, eastern, Sabah and Sarawak
zones.

Instruments and data collection

A set of questionnaires with 120 questions were constructed by the researchers and
administered among 2000 school teachers from different types of secondary schools in
Malaysia. However, 634 copies of the questionnaires were discarded due to incomplete data
and only 1366 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Sampling was based on stratified
sampling procedure. The sample was selected based on the randomization of parliamentary
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constituents of each state. From each constituent, rural and urban schools were selected. This
questionnaire gathered responses on various aspects of effective teachers in Malaysia.
Development of the questionnaires was based on the identified dimensions put together from
the existing literature and the expert recommendations. The independent variables for this
study were teacher quality represented by their cognitive ability and personality attributes.
The cognitive ability has been identified as a three-factor model explained by the presence of
IT skills, co-curricular activities and assessment skills. The dependent variables were
commitment and responsibility. A five-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 =
strongly agree) was used. Additionally, the demographic information namely gender, age,
years of teaching experience and states/counties were also included.

Data Analysis Procedure

The Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) 7.0 software was utilized for the data
analyses. The maximum likelihood was used to validate the structural model fit analysis. The
model has been tested using second order confirmatory factor analysis where cognitive
abilities construct has been measured via IT skills, co-curricula skills and assessment skills.
Direct relationships were estimated to be i. cognitive abilities to classroom management. ii.
cognitive abilities to commitment and responsibilities. Direct relationships of personality
were determined by considering: i. classroom management and ii. commitment and
responsibilities. Prior to the analysis, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
12.0 was used to provide the demographic detail and data distribution. Further, the
confirmatory analyses (CFA) were utilized to confirm the items and their factors (reliability
test). The model fit was based on the fit indices of Kline (2001) and Bryne (1998) of RMSEA
< 0.08; GFI > 0.9; IFI > 0.9 with p > .05. However, due to 1366 samples remaining from the
discarded ones, the significant p was not referred due to the sensitivity of the chi-square
value. The relationships must be above the critical ratio of 1.96. All the violations of errors
were also addressed before estimating the model with item loadings of 0.5 and above being
selected.

Findings
This study intended to examine the effect of teacher qualities namely personality,
cognitive ability, performance in classroom management, commitment and responsibilities.
This study was based on the proposed model of teacher effectiveness by investigating
teachers self assessment of their own qualities as teachers and their performance as the
outcome. The SPSS Version 12.0 was used to determine the descriptive statistics such as
percentages, means and standard deviations. The distribution of data displayed indicates the
selected demographic variables (data) of 1366 Malaysian teachers. Further analysis of
structural equation model using AMOS (version 7.0) displayed the model-fit and significant
relationships among the variables.

The Malaysian Teachers Profile

In terms of the teachers demographics, the variables examined were age, gender,
academic background, specialization, working experiences, and the background of teachers
academic institutions. With respect to the teachers age, Table 1.0 revealed the age

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distribution that ranged from < 25 (6.2%) to >56 (0.4%). The majority of teachers were from
the 36-40 years age group. However, the female population clearly outnumbered the males in
the age group of < 25, 26-30 and 31-35. As for the older generation aged between 36-56
years, the male teachers markedly outnumbered the females.
All the teachers have completed their tertiary education. Most of them were basic
degree holders (887 or 64.9%), followed by Diploma of Education (24.9%), Masters (3.7%)
and Ph.D (0.1%). Other qualifications include certifications from various institutions (6.4%).
The degree holders were mostly graduates from the public higher institution (721 teachers),
while the rest were from private institutions (33 teachers), followed by Teaching College (80
teachers), United Kingdom (11 teachers) and United States of America (4 teachers). The rest
obtained degree qualifications from other Asian countries.
Gender

age <25
26-30
31-35
36-40
41-45
46-50
51-55
>56
Total

Count
% within gender
Count
% within gender
Count
% within gender
Count
% within gender
Count
% within gender
Count
% within gender
Count
% within gender
Count
% within gender
Count
% within gender

Male
12
3.6%
56
16.8%
56
16.8%
76
22.8%
63
18.9%
41
12.3%
27
8.1%
2
.6%
333
100.0%

Female
73
7.1%
207
20.0%
202
19.6%
217
21.0%
174
16.8%
99
9.6%
58
5.6%
3
.3%
1033
100.0%

Total
85
6.2%
263
19.3%
258
18.9%
293
21.4%
237
17.3%
140
10.2%
85
6.2%
5
.4%
1366
100.0%

Table 1.0: Age distributions and gender breakdown

Table 2.0 shows the distribution by working experience and the states where they are
presently teaching. The majority of the most experienced teachers with more than 26 years of
teaching experience were concentrated in the state of Sarawak (22 teachers), followed by
Kelantan (14 teachers) and Kedah (12 teachers). However, Pahang state has shown no teacher
with 26 years of teaching experience and beyond. The aged teachers seemed to be the least
(94 teachers) as compared to other working group experience.
The graduates or the newly appointed teachers (< 5 years) have shown the highest
frequency (330) as compared to other working group experience. This shows that the
teaching profession has increased its popularity tremendously. Teachers from Kedah state (51
teachers) outnumbered other states, followed by Johor (42 teachers), Pahang (42 teachers)
and Perak (32 teachers). There has been a consistent distribution pattern among the teachers
and states in terms of working experience of 6-20 years. However, there is an indication that
Sabah does not show any wide distribution of any experienced working group of teachers (n
= 31).

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<5
State Johor
42
Kedah
51
Kelantan
18
Melaka
17
NS
25
Pahang
32
Perak
32
Perlis
20
Pulau Pinang 23
Sabah
12
Sarawak
23
Selangor
18
Terengganu 17
Total
330

6-10
28
40
21
13
25
39
17
13
17
5
14
21
34
287

Working Experience
11-15
16-20
18
11
42
20
44
37
10
3
15
8
25
21
24
18
29
13
21
12
8
4
17
24
13
10
44
27
310
208

Total
21-25
4
15
32
2
6
6
22
9
8
0
11
4
18
137

>26
5
12
14
2
5
0
11
10
6
2
22
1
4
94

108
180
166
47
84
123
124
94
87
31
111
67
144
1366

Table 2.0: Distributions of working experience and the states of

the teachers presently teaching

Results
The questionnaire consists of two dimensions i) independent variables; personality
and cognitive abilities (IT skills, co-curricular skills, assessment skills and subject
knowledge); ii) dependent variables of teacher performance namely, classroom management,
commitment, and responsibility. The selected variables have shown the means above the
anchor point based on the 5-point Likert scale ranging from 3.01 (able to develop a simple
personal Website using free provider like Yahoo, Blogspot etc.) to 4.23 (positive attitude
toward teaching and the teaching profession). All the variables were normally distributed
with the standard values of skewness and kurtosis at the acceptable values of less than 1.00.
The standard deviations were highly distributed ranging from 0.708 to 1.156. The overall
Cronbachs alpha (1960) has a reliability estimate of = .95 and this suggested the
instrument has high consistency.
The hypothesized structural equation model of teacher effectiveness was estimated
using Maximum likelihood estimation with AMOS. All the violations of parameter estimates
were addressed (error variance higher than 1.0, loadings lower than 0.5 and critical ratio
>1.96). The estimated model shows that teacher qualities predict teacher performance. The
teacher qualities included personality and cognitive abilities while teacher performance has
been assessed using classroom management skills and teachers commitment and
responsibilities.
It was found that the hypothesized model has shown an acceptable model fit (X2=
1296.215 with df = 291, cmin/df = 4.450, RMSEA = 0.05, gfi = 0.928 and tli = 0.960) despite
the p value which was less than .05. This was due to the sensitivity of chi-square values with
the bigger sample size (Kline, 2001). However, the relationship between teacher personality
and the commitment and responsibility variables was not significant. Thus, the model was
further re-specified so as to obtain the model fitness as well as significant relationships. As a
result, the re-specified model included in Figure 2.0 has shown an acceptable model. Table
4.0 reveals the high loadings of the parameters (> = 0.5 standardized regression weight)

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with critical ratio (CR > 1.96) indicating the variables selected were significant to the
constructs (Bryne, 2001).
Specifically, the results in the re-specified model have revealed that IT skills construct
was determined by the items namely; i.able to operate a computer comfortably, ii. able to
scan virus using anti-virus software. iii. able to send and receive e-mail. iv. able to use
Microsoft Excel software for data spreadsheet. v. able to use Power Point for presentation.
Co-curriculum skills construct was measured by i. ability to adapt to various school cocurricular tasks, ii. ability to officiate in co-curricular competition / tournament. iii. ability to
assist in managing co-curricular activities. iv. ability to organize co-curricular competitions.
Assessment skills construct was measured by i. Skill in analyzing students tabulation of
grade to improve academic performance. ii. Skill in developing test questions based on
students true ability. iii. skill in developing marking scheme. iv. skill in developing test
questions based on students true ability. In understanding the personality construct, four
items were detected namely; Understand personal relevance and meaning of education to
individuals, commitment toward aims of national education, passion to help young
individuals undergoing growth and lastly positive attitude toward teaching and the teaching
profession. Classroom management skills construct has been detected to measure i. ability to
plan according to the course syllabus ii. motivating students during teaching and learning iii.
ability to enlighten the class for positive teaching and learning iv. practice of effective class
communication. Commitment and responsibilities construct has been detected to be explained
by the following items namely; i. commitment to assess students work continuously; ii.
responsibility to report students progress as scheduled, iii. compliance to keeping students
progress report as stipulated, iv. ability to relate the importance of students data/information
in teachers daily plan.
The overall re-specified model of teacher effectiveness has shown that both teacher
qualities namely cognitive abilities (measured by IT- skills, assessment skills, and cocurricular skills) and teacher personality predict classroom management. Teachers need both
cognitive abilities and personality to show performance in classroom management. However,
teachers personality alone could not enhance or predict their commitment and
responsibilities in carrying out their duties.

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chi-square=1296.215
df=291
p=.000
cmin/df=4.454
rmsea=.050
e1 gfi=.928
tli=.960
e2 rmsea=.050
e3

.77
B84.79
e29 .88
.89 B85.74
.30
.86 B87
IT
.83 .69
skills .84B88.70 e4
.63
B90.40 e5
B94
.55 e6

.60
.64 e19
.77
B60
.82
.80 B67.72 e20
class .85
management .83
B69.69 e21
e27

B71

e22

.62
.67
B79
.80 e23
.82
.81
.84 commit.89.88B80.77 e24
.33 response .83B81.69 e25
e28

cognitive
ability

e30 .75

B82

.57
co-curriculum

.85.88 .92.87
.72 .78 .84.88 .75
B75 B76 B77 B78
e7

e8

e26

.08

.78

e9 e10

.77

assessment
e31 .76
.84 skills .83.83

.58 .71 .68 .69

B104 B107 B110 B113

e11 e12 e13 e14

.74 .74personality.82 .78

.55 .54 .67 .61
B21 B23 B26 B30
e15 e16

e17

e18

Figure 2.0: Hypothesized model.

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Australian Journal of Teacher Education

chi-square=1298.785
df=292
p=.000
cmin/df=4.448
rmsea=.050
e1 gfi=.927
tli=.960
e2 rmsea=.050
e3

.77
B84
e29 .88 .79
.89 B85.74
.30
.86
IT .83B87.69
skills .84B88.70 e4
.63
B90.40 e5
B94
.55 e6

.60
.77 B60.64 e19
.82
.80
class .85B67.72 e20
management .83B69.69 e21
e27

B71

e22

.65
.67
B79.80 e23
.82.82
.89
.90 commit .88B80.77 e24
.30 response .83B81.69 e25
e28

e30 .75

cognitive
ability

B82

.56

e26

co-curriculum

.85.88 .92.87
.72 .78 .84.87 .75
B75 B76 B77 B78 .80
e7 e8 e9 e10

.76

assessment
e31.76
.84 skills .83.83

.58 .70 .68 .69

B104 B107 B110 B113

e11 e12 e13 e14

.74 .74personality.82 .78

.55 .54 .67 .61
B21 B23 B26 B30
e15 e16 e17 e18

Figure 3.0: The re-specified model.

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Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Parameter

IT_skills
<-cognitive_ability
co-curriculum
<--cognitive_ability
assessment_skills
<--cognitive_ability
class_management <-- cognitive_ability
commit_response <-- cognitive_ability
class_management<-- personality
Able to operate a computer comfortably(B84
Able to scan virus using anti-virus software(B85)
Able to send and receive e-mail(B87)
Able to use Microsoft Excel software for data spreadsheet (B88)
Able to create slide presentation using Microsoft Power Point(B90)
Able to develop a simple personal Website (B94)
Ability to adapt to various school co-curricular tasks(B78)
Ability to assist in managing co-curricular activities(B77)
Ability to officiate in co-curricular competition / tournament (B76)
Ability to organize co-curricular competitions / tournaments (B75)
Skill in analyzing students tabulation of grade to improve academic
performance (B113)
Skill in developing test questions based on students true ability (B110)
Skill in developing marking scheme(B107)
Skill in developing test questions based on students true ability(B10)
Understand personal relevance and meaning of education to individuals
(B30)
Commitment toward aims of national education(B26)
Passion to help young individuals undergoing growth (B23)
Positive attitude toward teaching and the teaching profession(B21)
Ability to plan according to the course syllabus (B60)
Motivating students during teaching and learning (B67)
Ability to enlighten the class for positive teaching and learning (B69)
Practice of effective class communication (B71)
Commitment to assess students work continuously (B79)
Responsibility to report students progress as scheduled (B80)
Compliance to keeping students progress report as stipulated (B81)
Ability to relate the importance of students data/information in teachers
daily plan (B82)
Table 3.0: Standardized regression and critical ratio (C.R)

Std
load

C.R

.545
.750
.872
.647
.904
.302
.877
.890
.860
.830
.836
.629
.869
.916
.881
.847
.832

17.52
18.29
13.06
18.48
7.961
46.60
43.53
40.68
41.20
26.31
48.11
44.69
41.51
-

.827
.840
.761
.780

35.88
36.647
31.85
-

.819
.736
.740
.774
.802
.850
.829
.821
.894
.876
.829

31.21
27.698
27.87
31.46
33.735
32.722
40.710
39.466
36.273

Note: The highlighted parameters were constrained to 1.0. All error variances were below
1.0.

Discussion and Conclusion

This study has empirically shown that teacher quality influences their performance in
schools. Teacher quality was measured by teachers cognitive ability (skills of assessment
and evaluation, IT skills, and co-curricular knowledge) and the teachers personality or
interpersonal skills (soft skills). Teacher performance was measured by teacher classroom
management, commitment, and responsibilities.
Teacher effectiveness has always been associated with student achievement (Goe,
2007; Rice, 2003). However, this study attempted to extend the model of teacher quality by

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investigating the impact of teacher qualities and their performance in the classroom context
of experienced teachers. The majority of the teachers involved in this study were those with
more than 5 years of teaching experience. The results have confirmed that cognitive abilities
among the experienced teachers can be measured via the teachers skills in assessment, IT
and co-curricular. Possession of these skills will influence the teachers classroom
management and performance (committed and responsible for their students). Douglas and
Routledge (2007) defined these attributes as the ability to work and communicate with others.
On the other hand, teacher personalities were explained by their attitudes towards
teaching and the teaching profession, passion to help young individuals undergo growth and
development, commitment toward professional ethics and discipline, and understanding of
personal relevance and meaning of education to individuals. These reflect the emotional
stability and openness which fit into Goldbergs (1990) concept of personality. These positive
attitudes or enthusiasm result in well organized classroom management skills (Waxman,
2003). However, enthusiasm alone cannot directly promote the teachers commitment and
responsibilities. Teacher personalities also need to be associated with their cognitive ability in
order to render commitment and show responsibility to their students.
This study has implications for educational research on teachers effectiveness. It has
further extended the body of knowledge of teacher effectiveness whereby it can now be
measured via their performance in classroom management and demonstrated commitment
and responsibilities. Quality and effective teachers are not merely concerned about students
achievements but also their abilities to communicate and work with the students. Further, the
teachers themselves can reveal and assess their own effectiveness.
Instrument validation in this research has shown the items to be highly reliable,
indicating their suitability for use in future research on teacher quality and performance. Two
components of teacher quality were identified by this study namely: cognitive abilities and
personality. On the other hand, teachers performance became the outcome of effectiveness
where it was measured by teachers commitment and responsibilities as well as classroom
management.

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