EXPLORING TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS, CHALLENGES, AND MOTIVATION IN CONDUCTING RESEARCH

This study explores teachers' perception, challenges, and motivations in conducting research that led the proponents to the improvement of School's Salik Suri Workplan for the succeeding school years. Respondents of the study are one-hundred forty-six (146) teachers from Tanza National Trade School with at least one year teaching experience and has no or one (1) year experience in conducting research. The researcher used Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Research Design to explore both qualitative and quantitative sides of the study. The survey questionnaire used was a validated teacher-made instrument from the study of Ulla (2017). Twenty-five (25) questions from the questionnaire were about perceptions and challenges of teachers in conducting research. The researcher also conducted an interview to selected teachers. The interview focused only on their motivation to conduct research. Findings revealed that the respondents had positive perceptions in conducting research. Teacher respondents know the impacts and benefits of conducting research on the teaching – learning process. However, teacher respondents had challenges in conducting research due to lack of knowledge in research, time management, heavy teaching load and insufficient financial support from the institution. As for their motivation to conduct research, teacher respondents are motivated to conduct research for professional growth and development. Teacher researchers also need moral, emotional, and financial support from the school as a motivation to conduct research. Knowing teacher's perception, challenges, and motivations in conducting research especially the neophytes will help the policy makers and school administration to address the needs of teachers to preserve the research culture.