School Management Research Articles

Digital technology adoption and school leadership in the post-pandemic era: Insights from high school leaders

Integrating digital technologies into the educational landscape seems to be a defining factor for learning and leading in the pandemic and post-pandemic era. Hence, this study examines the impact of digital technology adoption on school leadership and management in the post-pan­demic era, focusing on high school leaders' experiences in Oyo State, Nigeria. The theoretical framework is anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which elucidates factors influencing technology adoption through perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and attitude toward usage. The study used a descriptive research design and sampled 227 high school leaders across three senatorial districts, collecting data via a validated questionnaire. The reliability index of the instruments is as follows: school leaders' digital technology adoption (? =0.85), digital media tools' usage (? =0.95), and professional development opportunities (? =0.84). Results indicate a positive influence of digital technology on school leadership and management, enhancing communication, virtual administration, performance monitoring, and breaking spatial-temporal barriers. WhatsApp, Email, Google Forms, and Zoom were identified as the most frequently used digital media tools, while professional development in digital technologies was provided to a moderate extent for 58.2% of high leaders. The findings demonstrate the need for more extensive professional development programs by indicating a considerable investment in school leaders' digital competency development, but not all-encompassing. Recommendations include enhancing the quality and frequency of training, promoting diverse digital tools, tailoring professional development to specific needs, and implementing regular assessment and feedback systems to improve digital technology integration in schools.

Pengaruh Persepsi Peserta Didik Mengenai Pengelompokan Kelas yang Dimoderasi Keaktifan Belajar dan Implikasinya Pada Hasil Belajar Mata Pelajaran Ekonomi

This research was conducted because of the low learning outcomes in class X economics subjects with the phenomenon found in the form of class grouping carried out by school management. So the research aims to determine the influence of students' perceptions regarding class grouping on learning activity and embed it in learning outcomes. The research was conducted using a survey method with class X students as the population, the sampling technique used was proportional random sampling with a total of 209 students. Data was obtained through a questionnaire with regression analysis moderation techniques. The results of this research are: students' perceptions regarding class grouping have a significant effect on learning activity, learning activity can strengthen the relationship between students' perceptions regarding class grouping and learning outcomes, students' perceptions regarding class grouping have an influence on learning activity and have implications for learning outcomes. economics lesson

PELAKSANAAN FUNGSI MANAJEMEN SEKOLAH MENENGAH ATAS

School-based management is a school management system that grants authority and power to the institution to manage its operations in line with its potential, demands, and needs. A school is an institution that has the independent authority to establish educational programs (curriculum) and their implications for various school policies in accordance with the school's vision, mission, and educational goals. The aim of this study is to understand and analyze the functions of school management in Senior High Schools. The implementation of school management has been carried out through learning planning, learning implementation, and learning supervision. The learning objectives provide an overview of the relevance and activities to be carried out; the teaching and learning implementation is closely tied to the dimension of human resources, encompassing the number of teachers, educational qualifications, curriculum, library, and more. Furthermore, the supervision of teaching and learning is conducted by the principal in cooperation with the school’s teachers’ council, as well as by the Branch Office of Education both directly and indirectly. Therefore, the implementation of Senior High School Management functions can be concluded as a guideline for conducting learning activities to improve the quality of education. Additionally, alumni and the community should support teaching and learning activities as a form of participation in enhancing the quality of education.

Household’s Characteristics and Learning Poverty: An Empirical Study

‘Learning poverty’ among school students is a cause of concern. Studies of family effects on students’ learning outcomes in the context of North-eastern region of India and Meghalaya are significantly lacking. The present study is about ‘learning poverty’ and its relationship with household characteristics such as household-income, parents’ educational level, parents’ occupation, nature of residence and number of siblings in the context of the Khasi–Jantia tribes of Meghalaya, which follows a matrilineal system. From the field experiment conducted on 407 students of classes 9 and 10 from 15 randomly selected schools from Shillong and Jowai towns, the findings indicate that ‘learning poverty’ is significantly higher in proportion for students belonging to the lower household-income groups. Besides low household-income, low level of parents’ education, not having and staying in one’s own house, higher number of siblings and parents’ occupation in low-end wage employment have emerged as critical factors responsible for the presence of ‘learning poverty’. The study recommends that policymakers and school management consider family effects seriously and work with parents from poor households to improve learning outcomes, mitigating the menace of ‘learning poverty’ on the society. However, the results of the study need to be examined with one caveat that it has not taken into consideration the school effects, which could too impact learning outcomes. JEL Codes: I240, I250, I210

Curriculum Updates and Their Impact on School Management Practices

Curriculum renewal influences not only educational content, but also overall school management practices. In this study, we investigate the impact of curriculum reform on school management practices with an interdisciplinary approach. Through a literature review, we identified various forms of impact, including changes in management paradigm, organizational structure, school culture, teacher skills, education quality, community involvement, management skills, resource quality, student involvement, and service quality. Our findings suggest that school management must adapt planning, training, resource provision, and community involvement to manage change. Regular evaluations are needed to develop more effective education policies and school management practices, with policy adjustments based on evaluation findings. Good communication and involvement of all stakeholders is the key to implementing significant changes in increasing educational effectiveness.

Exploring the Links Between Social Media Addiction, Body Satisfaction, and Subjective Well-Being Among Adolescents

The current study examined Social media addiction, body satisfaction, and subjective well-being among adolescents. For this purpose, the sample for the current study was calculated by the G power formula (F, t, χ2, Z, and exact tests) 300 participants were selected through the convenient sampling technique (139 Boys and 161 Girls), adolescents with the age range of 10-19 from different colleges and universities of Faisalabad. The Co-relational research design was used in the current study. The variables under research were measured using the following scales: The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (Andreassen et al., 2016), the Body Shape Questionnaire (Cooper et al., 1987), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg,1965), the Work & Social Adjustment Scale (Marks et al., 2002), ICP Subjective Well-Being Scale (Diener's, 1984). Using SPSS version 26, descriptive statistics, correlation, and t-tests were used to evaluate the current research hypothesis. Results of the correlation analysis revealed that there is a significant negative relationship between social media addiction and body satisfaction. In contrast, body satisfaction and subjective well-being were significantly positively related, and subjective well-being with body satisfaction showed no ties. The findings will benefit adolescents and management in schools and universities by providing a healthy environment and social skills to reduce social media addiction. Excessive social media use negatively impacts adolescents' body satisfaction and overall well-being. For adolescents, there is a need for educational programs and open communication to promote healthy online habits and to reduce social media's negative effects, with parental support playing a crucial role.

Studying Factors Influencing Intention to Use Hybrid Education: A Case Study of Visual Communication Design Major Students at Chengdu Vocational University of Art

Background and Aim: Hybrid teaching follows the reform trend of China's vigorous development of online education and hybrid education. The Chengdu Vocational University of Art is the earliest art vocational university in China, and the visual communication major is the advantageous major of the university. The program of this major adopts a hybrid education model combining MOOC online courses and offline education. This study uses TAM, ASCI, UTAUT, and ECM theories to construct a model to analyze the factors affecting the hybrid education learning satisfaction of visual communication students, whose variables include virtual classroom quality, instructor characteristics, student expectations, course design quality, and course content quality. Materials and Methods: A purposive sampling method was used to distribute questionnaires to 571 students. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used to analyze the reliability, validity, goodness of fit, and hypothesis testing of the model. Results: Student satisfaction was found to greatly influence intention to use through the study. In addition, instructor characteristics and classroom quality had a supportive relationship on perceived usefulness, student expectations, course content, and perceived usefulness had a supportive relationship on satisfaction, while course design quality had no significant effect on satisfaction. Conclusion: School management and teaching teams should pay attention to the key influences on the intention of hybrid education and design programs based on research findings to help students understand the effectiveness of hybrid education and improve the quality of education.

Fast Forward to Freedom: Unveiling the Realities of Early Retirement of Teachers

Early retirement among teachers is on the rise, creating a shortage of experienced educators and potentially hindering the quality of education. This trend requires investigation into the reasons behind it and the development of effective strategies to retain teachers in the workforce. This qualitative study aims to explore the phenomenon of early retirement among teachers in primary schools, employing a case study approach and drawing upon theories such as Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, Social Identity Theory (SIT), and the Beehr Retirement Model. Through purposive selection of a resourceful participant and qualitative data synthesis, the study uncovers the multifaceted nature of factors influencing teachers' decisions to retire early. Key findings reveal that organizational challenges, including administrative burdens, workload, and dissatisfaction with school management, significantly impact teachers' retirement intentions. Personal considerations such as health concerns, work-life balance, and career satisfaction also play pivotal roles in shaping early retirement decisions. Proposed interventions to address these challenges include fostering a positive organizational culture, providing career advancement opportunities, and prioritizing health and safety measures to mitigate the adverse effects of early retirement on the education field. The study advocates for collaborative approaches involving policymakers, educational stakeholders, and teachers to formulate and implement policies that value teacher perspectives and expertise, ultimately improving educational outcomes. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the complexities of early retirement among primary school teachers, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive strategies to address organizational, personal, and systemic factors influencing early retirement intentions. Recommendations for further research suggest involving participants from diverse backgrounds to generate a more comprehensive understanding of teacher early retirement dynamics.

Learners’ Discipline Management by Teachers During Post-COVID Lockdown Among Selected Primary Schools in Mbale District Uganda

The study sought to examine the learners’ discipline management by teachers during post-COVID lockdown among selected primary schools in Mbale district. The study intended to identify the challenges teachers face when instilling discipline in learners during the post-COVID 19. To analyse different behaviour/ indiscipline among the learners. To identify ways to curb challenges among learners. The study adopted a qualitative research design and results were collected using a semi-structured interview guide as well as focused group discussions from selected schools in Mbale district. It used the Gordon theory of classroom management and A theory of discipline derived from Dewey’s theory of inquiry. Findings revealed that many learners had indiscipline behaviour when teachers gave them homework to copy and do at home. It was realized that some learners do come late to school, others are aggressive and disrespectful to teachers, untidy and leave school without permission while others are fond of talking in class. Teachers assume that one of the most challenging roles and the need for additional training and support to learners is to curb the indiscipline of learners to have a conducive learning environment. It was concluded that the sources of the behavioural changes were the family, the ministry of education being away from school and classroom management. The study recommended that learners should be given support in counselling by the parents, teachers, senior women and men, and head teachers to eliminate learning losses. Furthermore, projects can be formed to improve learners’ collaboration and be developed thus socially supportive activities and, the assigning of school responsibilities by school heads can be organized and socialization of learners can be enhanced and emphasized. In addition, formative training can be given to teachers and parents to curb the indiscipline of learners while at school and home and also rules for the management of behaviour should be clearly defined and reinforced.

159 Qualitative insights into the skills development, health outcomes, and school experience of adolescent peer-leaders of a physical activity programme in second level schools

Abstract Purpose The Active School Flag (ASF) is a whole-of-school, physical activity (PA) programme in Ireland. At second level, student leadership is central to ASF, as adolescents aged 15–16 years in Transition Year (TY), are peer-leaders (PL) of ASF in their school. TY is a one-year programme unique to Ireland, that provides adolescents with skills and personal development opportunities. PLs receive leadership training and have a dedicated weekly class to plan the delivery of whole-of-school PA events and surveys. This study explored the impact on PL skills development, health outcomes, and school experience. Methods In April and May 2023, focus groups were conducted with PL (n = 33, 67% female) in eight schools during their second year of ASF. PL were asked about their experience of implementing ASF. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by Braun and Clarke, (2019). Five themes and 29 subthemes were generated. Results Themes included: (1) Enhanced personal development through ASF, (2) ASF builds community in the school, (3) Value and recognition of ASF in the school community, (4) Without ASF school would be plainer, (5) PL experience of their participation in ASF. Findings demonstrate the impact of key ASF intervention components on PL skills, health, and school experience. PL developed transferable skills including verbal and written communication (theme 1) through dissemination of whole-of-school survey results and sharing PA messages with school members. Shared leadership training supported PL to feel part of a group (theme 2) and facilitated a comfortable social and learning environment (theme 4). Attending ASF weekly timetabled class stimulated a positive mood among PL (theme 5). Although PL felt school members supported them (theme 3) during whole-of-school PA events, some PL experienced anxiety and frustration working with school members (theme 5). Conclusions Results provide valuable information to inform school staff and management how leading ASF can influence adolescents, including developing transferable skills, enhancing social and mental health, and supporting a positive school experience. These insights highlight the potential impact of a whole-school PA programme on a broad range of outcomes, demonstrating the added value of student-led initiatives. Funding Source Mayo Education Centre, Healthy Ireland

Organizational Culture as a Catalyst for Literacy Development in Islamic Boarding School

Organizational culture in Islamic boarding schools plays a crucial role in improving students' literacy. Identifying the most influential cultural elements can help develop strategies to strengthen literacy skills among students. This study aims to analyze the role of organizational culture in promoting students' literacy in Islamic boarding schools. The research method used is qualitative, with a case study approach involving interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis using the Miles and Huberman model includes data reduction, systematic data presentation, and conclusion. The results of this study indicate that a conducive learning environment in Islamic boarding schools, strengthening sustainable literacy programs, effective collaboration with external partners, and developing values and norms by Islamic boarding school principles significantly contribute to improving students' literacy. These findings emphasize the importance of a holistic approach involving various aspects of organizational culture to achieve better student literacy outcomes. This study provides implications for Islamic boarding school management's importance in strengthening cultural elements that support literacy. In addition to providing new insights, this study contributes significantly to educational policies in Islamic boarding schools.

Experiences of School Management Teams in Implementing School Feeding Programs in Public Primary Schools in Nigeria During Covid-19

Experiences of School Management Teams in Implementing School Feeding Programs in Public Primary Schools in Nigeria During Covid-19

Basotho learners’ challenges affect effective learning in a rural high school during the COVID-19 era

The learning process depends on decisions and constant assessments obtained from what is learned and how it is learned, the support given to access knowledge or concepts, and whether what is remembered by learners is correct. However, this process was disrupted in the COVID-19 era as there was rapid spread of COVID-19. This study investigates the challenges influencing effective learning among Basotho learners in a rural high school in the Mofutsanyane District. This study used a qualitative approach through a case study design. Participants were chosen purposefully, including the learners, parents or guardians, teachers, school governing body, school-based support team, and school management team members. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. The narrative results indicated that Basotho learners encountered various challenges, including failure of learners to attend online classes, absenteeism, poor internet connection, and declining performance. They experienced academic pressure, inadequate curriculum coverage, a knowledge gap in the next grade, and the learners transitioning to virtual learning. All these challenges affected learners' learning process due to transiting, which had to happen and did not favour all the learners’ family backgrounds.

Kiai Leadership Patterns in The Modernization of Boarding School Management

This study explores the leadership patterns of kiai in the effort to modernize pesantren management, with the aim of understanding how kiai leadership can combine traditional values with the demands of modern management. The main focus of this study is to identify the dual role of kiai as spiritual and managerial leaders, and their impact on the operational effectiveness of pesantren. Using a qualitative method with a case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations in several pesantren that have implemented modern management principles. The results of the study indicate that kiai leadership that successfully combines traditional and modern aspects results in more efficient pesantren management without sacrificing the religious values that are the foundation of the institution. In addition, this leadership pattern also strengthens the identity of the pesantren amidst the flow of globalization, maintaining the relevance of the institution while maintaining its uniqueness. These findings indicate that modernizing pesantren management through kiai leadership not only increases operational efficiency but also strengthens the competitiveness and resilience of pesantren in the long term. This study makes an important contribution to understanding how pesantren can adapt to the times without losing their traditional essence, as well as opening up opportunities for further research on the application of modern management in religious-based educational institutions.

Perceptions of Stakeholders Regarding Use of ICT in Teachers’ Professional Development: A Qualitative Study

Due to the emerging usage of technology in the field of teaching and learning, it become mandatory for teachers to utilize ICT in every aspect. The purpose of this study is to find out teacher usage of ICT in their teaching methodologies for their professional development, it is also aimed to find out administrational cooperation with teachers integrating ICT for their professional development. A phenomenological research design was used. The researcher purposefully selected 05 teachers and 05 heads of the institutions to be interviewed as a sample of the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with teachers and heads of the institutions. Thematic coding of data was applied as part of the data analysis process. Seven overarching categories or themes surfaced, including teachers’ perception of ICT, teaching methodology, and better learning outcomes. The results revealed that teachers view ICT as valuable in teaching, and using school management resources effectively. However, others struggle with using ICT due to time and effort consumption. It also emphasized, the struggles with lesson plans requiring ICT but believes it takes longer to achieve targets. Teachers must develop methodologies aligned with their subject and content. The idea aims at the administrative responsibility of the principal in supporting and motivating teachers to adopt new technology and incorporate ICT in their lesson plans successfully. The recommendation is to prioritize ICT competency in teacher hiring, irrespective of grade level, and involve all stakeholders in the implementation of ICT developmental programs, ensuring appropriate usage for teachers.

THE SOFT SCHOOL MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGY

The article presents the distinctive features of school management, justifies the necessity of reviewing school management approaches and reveals the trends and possibilities of its development at the current stage. It defines the concepts of “flexible methodology”, “soft skill”, “soft competence”, “intelligent quotient”, “vital energy quotient”. It also characterizes soft skills from the point of view of communicative competence, compares the cognitive, communicative and emotional aspects of the formation and development of soft skills and emphasizes the role of flexible skills formation from the perspectives of individualization of learning and the development of individual educational tracs, justifies the role of using soft strategies in the context of the application of multi-disciplinary educational projects, reveales the concept of “school is an organization or enterprise of learners” to increase the independence of the school, the independence of the teacher, the student from the aspects of formation and development. It presents the novelty as a result of the discussion of the mentioned and other key issues, which is justified by the complex application of fsoft skills of education, teaching and upbringing, the observation of soft skills and competencies in the cognitive, communicative and emotional spheres, the discovery of the connection between emotional intelligence, mental abilities and vital energy, “the school of students is an enterprise” with the need to apply the concept.

Contribution of TVET Schools’ Outcomes on Human Capital Development in Rwanda: A Case of Bugesera District

The study assessed the specific contribution of TVET schools’ outcomes to human capital development in Rwanda. The specific objectives of this study investigatet the role of TVET schools on the employment rate, assessed the students and parents’ attitudes towards technical vocational education and training trades, and established the relationship between TVET schools’ outcomes and human capital development in Bugesera District. The study involved 610 TVET students, graduates, trainers, school managers, employers, parents, and community administrators in Bugesera district. The researcher used human capital theory and skill-biased technological change theory. A mixed-methods design with 241 respondents was used, with purposive and simple random sampling. Data was collected through questionnaires and documentation, and analyzed using SPSS. For the first objective indicated that , TVET schools prepare students for employment opportunities, with 86.1% strongly agreed that there is an increase in employment opportunities for TVET graduates compared to other educational streams, with 93.7% strongly agreeing and 2.5% agreeing, 87.3% strongly agreed that TVET schools adequately equip students with the necessary skills for the job market, 62.0 strongly agreed that the choice of technical trades offered by the TVET school contributes to higher employment rates. To the second results objective, the finding reveals that 67.1% strongly that TVET school gave them the necessary skills and knowledge needed to enter the job market, and they are satisfied, and 89.9% strongly agreed that TVET schools have a substantial impact on enhancing the employment rate of graduates in Rwanda,84.8% strongly agreed that TVET graduates have higher employment rates compared to university graduates, 83.5% strongly agreed. The study found a significant association between improved work opportunities, job readiness, technical skills, practical skills, lifelong learning, and increased workforce productivity, with innovation and adaptability positively related to these independent variables, with a p-value less than 0.05. TVET schools in Rwanda are crucial for human capital development, promoting economic growth and poverty reduction. They should equip students with practical skills, foster an entrepreneurial culture, and offer programs in emerging fields.

The efficiency of financial management systems in selected schools in the Amathole West education district in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Managing school finances by school governing bodies (SGBs) in South African secondary schools has proven to be a challenge that has several negative consequences for education, infrastructure, and other resources. The purpose of this article was to assess the efficiency of financial management systems (FMSs) in selected schools in the Amathole West education district. A case study design and qualitative approach were employed in the study. Purposive sampling was used to select SGB members from 2 schools in the district. The research participants were interviewed using face to face and telephonic interviews. We found that while there is understanding and alignment of financial systems by SGBs, insufficient or limited financial resources, inconsistencies in dealing with financial management matters, and government deposit allocation delays, SGBs’ level of education and bank operations pose challenges and lead to the misalignment of school operations. Based on the study, we suggest that SGBs adopt strategies to enhance the financial management of schools, namely monitoring and evaluation, the appointment of qualified SGB members, increased training, a stipend system for SGBs and timeous deposit of funds to schools.

PRINCIPLES OF TEACHER TRAINING IN THE FINNISH EDUCATION SYSTEM

The article presents in detail the principles of the Finnish educational policy, which are the basis of the principles of school management and teacher training. It presents the principles that are widely used in the process of teacher training in developed European countries and the principles that are characteristic mainly of the Finnish education system. We reveal the peculiarities of the principles of Finnish teacher training by presenting the theories of adaptation of education and masterful learning based on them. The paper analyzes the principles of equality, continuity, teaching evaluation, teaching research, and trust at the same time. It presents the current stage of the teacher training process in the education system in Finland, as well as the factors that form the principles of teacher training, in particular the innovative policy of Finland in the field of education. The article analyzes the principles of systematization, consistency of state policy, strategic direction of reforms, taking into account the socio-economic goals of the country, correction and modernization of programs. It analyses as a special feature, adaptive learning theories, examines in the context of which evaluation approaches and standards. It singles out the principle of individual development of Finnish teacher training. It is noted that it acts as an alternative principle. The idea is emphasized that any principles of Finnish teacher training are based on the principles of educational reforms, which are the starting point in educational policy. The novelty of the research is that, as a result of historical comparative analysis, trends and features of the formation and development of Finnish teacher training principles were revealed.

Analysis of the Effect of Education Fund Budget on Performance Accountability and Transparency in School Fund Management (Cirebon City)

This research aims to analyze the influence of the education budget on performance accountability and transparency in fund management in Cirebon City schools. Using a quantitative approach, this study examines the relationship between education budget allocation and two important aspects in school management, performance accountability and transparency of fund management. Data was collected from school financial reports and surveys conducted among schools and financial managers in schools in Cirebon City. The results of the analysis show that, with a data sample of 14, with 25 total respondents, there is a significant positive correlation between the education budget and performance accountability (r = 1) and transparency of fund management (r = 0.982). These findings confirm that efficient allocation and use of the education budget not only increases accountability for school performance but also strengthens transparency in fund management. Survey responses, which range from 0 (disagree) to 1 (agree) on a rating scale, indicate positive perceptions of existing financial management practices. This study provides empirical evidence about the importance of good education budget management as a tool for improving the quality of education, especially in Cirebon city schools.