Dissertation
Conceptions of effective school principals in Cambodian public schools: a phenomenographic study
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00003
Abstract
This thesis presents the findings of a study that investigates the conceptions held by school principals in Cambodian schools around effective school principals. Through an interpretivist research paradigm and phenomenographic methodology, the study seeks to understand the conceptions of practicing school principals using school-based interviews. Phenomenography is a qualitative research approach that seeks to explore variation in how people experience various aspects of their world. Phenomenography has been used in numerous education studies over the past 40 years to uncover people’s lived experience of phenomenon. Conceptions of effective school principals (the phenomenon) were identified in the data analysis process, which then organised into five categories of description – personal qualities (human relations), good governance, school administration and HR management, instructional leadership, and life-long learning. The categories of description became the basis for the outcome space, a graphic representation of the various conceptions offered by school principals. The research process produced two main outcomes, the first being a synthesis of conceptions held by school principals in Cambodia about the attributes of effective school principals. The second outcome was a synthesis of school principals conceptions of effective or ‘good’ schools in Cambodia, which uncover insights into existing and aspirational school models. The study findings emphasize the significant role that school principals play in the effective operation of schools through quality leadership and management. The study also provides insights into the potential for developing schools that make available a quality of education to students and families that Cambodia has been seeking for several years. The thesis concludes with considerations to integrate study findings into the selection, preparation, support, and professional development of school principals.
Details
- Title
- Conceptions of effective school principals in Cambodian public schools: a phenomenographic study
- Authors
- T Andrew Jones
- Contributors
- Michael Nagel (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Education - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00003
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education - Legacy; School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Engage Research Lab
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99479307502621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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