PREDICTING ENGAGEMENT AMONG STUDENTS IN LOW-COST PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN LAGOS STATE: THE ROLES OF TEACHERS’ INTERPERSONAL SKILLS, DIGITAL SKILLS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

Students' engagement is pivotal in achieving institutional goals, particularly in low-cost private schools. Therefore, teachers' interpersonal skills, digital skills, and professional development opportunities are crucial in enhancing students' engagement and ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of the schools. Consequently, this study investigated predicting engagement among students in low-cost private schools in Lagos state: the roles of teachers' interpersonal skills and professional development opportunities.  The study answered one research question and tested one hypothesis at a .05 significance level. The descriptive survey design was used for the study; the population were 7,477 teachers and 14,647 SSS II students in 1,046 low-cost private secondary schools in Lagos State, who are members of the Association for Formidable Education Development. Stratified and random sampling techniques were used to select 800 teachers and 1500 students. Four adapted instruments were used for the study. The study's findings showed that the students had a high level of engagement. There were significant joint and relative contributions of the teachers' interpersonal skills, digital skills, and professional development opportunities to students' engagement. Based on the study's findings, it was recommended, among others, that LCPS proprietors and administrators should encourage teachers in low-cost schools to participate in professional development programmes.