Journal of Social Work and Science Education
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Social Work and Science Education

The Influence of Principal Leadership and Teachers’ Motivation on Students’ Ability in Elementary Schools

Hernawati Hernawati (Universitas PGRI Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia)
Syarwani Ahmad (Universitas PGRI Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia)
Yessi Fitriani (Universitas PGRI Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study examines the influence of principal leadership and teacher motivation on student academic abilities at the elementary school level in Sumber Marga Telang District, an area with geographical constraints. Employing a quantitative survey design, data were collected from a simple random sample of teachers and students using Likert-scale questionnaires for leadership and motivation, and academic grade documentation for student ability. Multiple linear regression, t-tests, and F-tests were applied for analysis. Results reveal that both principal leadership and teacher motivation significantly affect student abilities, both partially and simultaneously. The coefficient of determination (R² = 0.62) indicates that these two variables explain 62% of the variance in student outcomes, with the simultaneous test further confirming the model’s robustness (F-count 15.87 > F-table 3.10). The novelty lies in contextualizing these relationships within a geographically limited setting, where systemic support is often scarce. Practically, the findings underscore the urgent need for sustained investment in principals’ managerial capacity and teachers’ motivational welfare as strategic levers for educational quality improvement. The study contributes empirical evidence from an under-researched rural context, reinforcing that human capital factors in school leadership are pivotal to student success, and offers actionable insights for policymakers aiming to elevate basic education outcomes in similar underserved regions.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jswse

Publisher

Subject

Religion Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

The Journal of Social Work and Science Education (JSWSE) is firmly established as an authoritative voice in the world of social work and science education with E-ISSN: 2723-6919 and P-ISSN 2746-0827. JSWSE publishes scholarly papers that focus on the social science, teaching and learning, science in ...