Evaluation of the Leadership Qualities of Principals Regarding the Prevention of Noise Pollution in School: a Case Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to reveal the leadership qualities of school principals in solving a noise problem at school. A single case study was selected as the research design. The study group consisted of primary and secondary school principals, one female and three males, working in the schools where the project was conducted. The main data collection tool of the study was interviews with the school principals. In addition, the study was supported with researcher observations and documents. The data were analyzed with inductive thematic analysis. The data were analyzed with a descriptive, explanatory and interpretive perspective in the context of noise prevention at schools. Four main themes emerged from the interviews with principals regarding noise at schools: "the noise problem," "administrative leadership," ”educational leadership," and "solution suggestions," The results show that participating in a project to prevent noise at schools has increased principals' awareness of noise and improved their leadership qualities in solving the noise problem. Principals are of the opinion that their schools are quieter than before and that the average academic success of their schools has increased. As a result, it has been determined that acoustic improvement, noise awareness training, rule making, discipline, value creation and culture formation are needed to create a quiet learning environment at schools.