Management Training for Headteachers: The contribution of psychologists

Abstract

This paper describes the planning, implementation and evaluation of a course of management training for experienced headteachers which was held in the Northern Education Area of Norfolk during 1988. The course provided 26 hours of training in seven sessions together with application of new skills in the headteachers’ own school. Detailed evaluation suggests that participants perceived the course as interesting, relevant and useful, and that they felt that both their knowledge and application of management skills had improved. They felt unanimously that further such courses should be provided for headteachers. The authors, two educational psychologists, argue both that management training for headteachers is highly desirable and, for a particular kind of management training which incorporates among other things, the targeting of person management skills, sessional training by local professionals, extensive use of simulation and group discussion and the use of industrial training materials. The role of educational psychologists in this important area is stressed.