This study aimed at examining the influence of teacher related factor on pupils' academic performance in open learning classes at Twin palm secondary school in Lusaka district of Zambia and to establish measures to improve the academic performance of learners in open learning classes. It was prompted by the learners� general poor performance in class, termly assessments, the Junior Secondary School Leaving Examination and the General Certificate of Education Examinations.


The research targeted 118 pupils in Open Learning Class (OLC), 1 Head teacher, 1 Deputy Head teacher and 30 teachers offering different subjects at a particular school in Lusaka district. The 118 OLC pupils were grade Twelve, who were selected from different classes in the school since they had been in the school long enough to understand the factors that affect the learner achievement.

The study used purposive sampling. It employed qualitative data collection tools which included interview guides, a focus group discussion guide and observation. Only qualitative data collection tools were employed in order to ensure efficiency in data collection. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically.

The findings of the study revealed that the unsatisfactory academic performance of learners in Open Learning Classes was due to some of the teacher related factors such as, lack of teacher motivation, inadequate teacher preparedness, lack of punctuality by teachers, lack of teaching aids and non-marking of learners� exercises. In line with the findings, the study made a number of recommendations to policy makers and school managers and these were:(i)Ministry of Education and school boards should find ways of motivating teachers and raising their morale,(iii) measures should be taken by school administrators to curb lack of punctuality among teachers who report late for work and (iii) MOE should increase supervision and carry out routine monitoring and evaluation of educational standards in Open learning classes for quality assurance by inspecting the teacher�s lesson plan before delivering a lesson.