An investigation of factors affecting classroom teachers' job performance: A Q method analysis

The purpose of this study is to reveal the factors affecting the job performance of classroom teachers. In this study, the exploratory sequential design, a qualitative dominant mixed research design, was used. The data of the study were collected via a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher and the Q method. Maximum variation sampling method was used in the selection of the schools where the qualitative interviews were conducted with teachers and in the selection of the schools and teachers for the application of the Q method. The participants of the study consisted of 72 classroom teachers working in İpekyolu and Tuşba districts of Van province in the 2018-2019 academic year. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 19 classroom teachers within the context of the research; and 53 classroom teachers participated in the Q method study. It was paid attention to involve different teachers in the research for the interviews and the Q method. The data obtained through interviews were subjected to content analysis, and the data obtained from the Q method were analyzed via "PQMethod 2.35" program. According to the qualitative findings obtained from the research, most of the organizational and managerial factors had positive effects on classroom teachers' job performance; and it was found that system-related factors caused classroom teachers to display low performance. According to the Q method findings, it was observed that classroom teachers had similar opinions about the factors affecting job performance. Among the factors that affect job performance, general professional competences were mostly emphasized. It was concluded that students' readiness level and teachers' mastery of course content had impacts on classroom teachers' job performance. Based on these results, some implications were drawn for researchers and practitioners. Keywords: Classroom Teacher, Job Performance, Factors Affecting Job Performance, Mixed Method, Q Method