The Need to Become a Self-Managing School - Essay Example

? School Leaders Research Total Number of Words: 3,014 Introduction In relation to the theme of “empowering schools”, the article written by Smyth (2011) entitled “The disaster of the ‘self-managing school’ – genesis, trajectory, undisclosed agenda, and effects” will be critically analyzed using the framework as proposed by Eacott (2011). In line with this, the scope of the critical analysis will include the selected article’s purpose of the study, assumptions, literature, research methodology, and research findings. Prior to conclusion and recommendations, the impact of the research on practice within the school system will be analyzed in details. 1.1 Rationale for Selecting the Article Written by Smyth (2011) School empowerment is all about being able to strengthen the decision-making power of the educational institution through the use of either administrative strategies or pedagogy (Di Gropello, 2006, p. 4). In line with this, there is a very close relationship between school empowerment and the need to become a self-managing school in the sense that the process of creating a self-managing school is necessary in terms of empowering the school. One of the main reasons for choosing the article written by Smyth (2011) is that the author decided to focus his study in determining factors that can negatively affect the ability of the school personnel to create a self-managing school. Aside from being able to learn more about the proposed framework of Eacott (2011) when it comes to critically analyzing the reliability and validity of a research study, going through the research study of Smyth (2011) will enable the student will be able to gain better understanding with regards to the educational policy and importance of developing a self-managing school, identify the people who are working behind the development or destructions of a self-managing school, and the impact of self-managing school on teaching and learning. 2. Critical Analysis 2.1 Purpose of the Study Smyth (2011) mentioned in the introduction that the main purpose of the study is to create an argument which comes directly from evidences and other related questions with regards to the nature of a self-managing school. However, even though the author clearly stated the main purpose of the study as part of the introduction, it would have been better if the author has written the article with a well-defined abstract that use subheadings such as purpose, methodology, findings, research implications, practical implications, and originality. With the use of subheadings, the readers can easily read and understand what the author intends to present to the readers. 2.2 Assumptions A research paradigm is usually composed of either assumptions, propositions, or a collection of concepts (Bogdan & Biklen, 1998, p. 22). In a highly reliable research study, the author’s assumption should be clearly stated because it can be used as a guide on how the researcher would direct the main focus of the research study. Likewise, the kind of research method that will be used in the research study is highly dependent on the research assumption (Punch, 2009, p. 15). Most of the research study assumptions are based on a wide-range of existing theories (Cook & Campbell, 1979, p. 24). For instance, when conducting a research study on school leaders, the research study assumptions can either be based on the point-of-views of the local citizens, school management system, educational leadership, or school administration (Eacott, 2011b). Since most of the research study assumptions are based on a wide-range of existing theories (Cook & Campbell, 1979, p. 24), creating a set of research study assumptions is important because it can be use to guide the researcher in search for some concrete and/or scientifically tested information to support his own research study assumptions (McMillan, 2011). In the article written by Smyth (2011), the author was able to clearly justify the reasons for his claim or assumption. Although the statement was written in a form of an argument, Smyth (2011, p. 96) assumed that failure of the self-managing school is a “symptomatic of the much wider failure of capitalism in its engagement with teaching and learning”. In support of the author’s assumption, Smyth (2011) explained that insufficient government funding for public schools is one of the main reasons behind failure to create self-managing schools. Aside from the differences in locale and school history, Smyth (2011) also mentioned that old bureaucratic practices such as hierarchy in decision-making, excessive use or implementation of rules and regulations, and red tape all equally contributes to the development of a failed self-managing school. Upon examining the article of Smyth (2011), one can say that the author’s assumption has been pretty much well-justified. In line with this, the author managed to base his own thoughts and arguments from the research findings or ideas coming from different authors of academic resources (i.e. books and journals). In the process of avoiding heavy reliance on the author’s personal judgement or reasonings, one can conclude that the research assumptions made by Smyth (2011) was somehow logical and realistic. However, the use of logic in the process of analyzing the gathered information does not necessarily mean that the author was able to generate a list of highly reliable facts (McMillan, 2011). For this reason, it is essential to pay close attention to where the author has taken the bulk of information that were used throughout the research study. 2.3 Literature In general, the sources of information that can be used in coming up with an in-depth literature review include academic books, electronic sources, journals, news reports, published articles, dissertation papers and theses (Lues & Lategan, 2006, p. 8). Specifically the literature presented by Smyth (2011) was mostly based on academic books and journals. In general, the use of a wide range of books and peer-reviewed journals when creating a literature review is good. However, one of the loopholes found in the phenomenological research study of Smyth (2011) is that the author has generated most information coming from old books and journals. Looking closely at the works of Smyth (2011), most of the books and journals used in the literature was dated between 1979 to 2000. In fact, only 8 out of 70 were dated five (5) years ago. Aside from helping the researcher decide on the best research method for the study, one of the main purpose of conducting a literature review is to allow the researcher to learn more about what has currently or previously been found about a specific research topic (Lues & Lategan, 2006, p. 8). To enable the researcher come up with a more comprehensive overview about the research topic, Lues and Lategan (2006, p. 8) explained that it is not wise to simply “ignore publications of five years and older”. However, the fact that Smyth (2011) had made used of only 8 out of 70 recently dated academic books and journals makes the research findings prone to invalid, irrelevant or unreliable arguments as to why self-managing school was assumed to be a “symptomatic of the much wider failure of capitalism in its engagement with teaching and learning” (Smyth, 2011, p. 96). When conducting a literature review, the use of old and out-dated information can increase the risks wherein the author will not only unintentionally mislead the readers from knowing the truth but also have the opportunity to gain more knowledge through the use of a more recent and updated information about the nature and factors that could affect the development of a self-managing school. Although the information presented in this particular journal is very informative, it could have been much better if Smyth (2011) was able to balance between the use of old and new information when trying to justify why the concept of self-managing school is an indicative of a failed capitalism. By doing so, the researcher could have the chance of reducing the risk of unintentionally misleading the readers from knowing all factors that can affect the development of a self-managing school within the modern educational environment. 2.4 Research Methodology The nature of research methodology can either be quantitative, qualitative, or a mixed-method (i.e. quantitative and qualitative research methods) (McMillan, 2011; Punch, 2009, p. 17). In line with this, a quantitative research study can either be experimental or non-experimental whereas a qualitative research study can be made out of a case study, critical study, ethnographic study, grounded theory, or phenomenological study (McMillan, 2011). Specifically the research method used by Smyth (2011) is the phenomenological approach. In general, the use of phenomenology type of research study is widely accepted in school leaders research (McMillan, 2011). In most cases, this particular research method is being used to allow the researcher to generate knowledge based on the past and current experiences of people. To allow the researcher to make use of his own philosophical skills, Smyth (2011) has made used of several open-ended questions and sub-questions to guide him in creating a more comprehensive and detailed information with regards to the research topic. For example, Smyth (2011) came up with questions like: (1) “privatising the self … or what was the real agenda behind the SMS?”; (2) “why then, did we have to have the SMS?”; and (3) “who wins, who loses in the shift to the global SMS?” among others. Under each of these open-ended questions, Smyth (2011) critically analyzed the situation as he started to conduct a review of literature to answer each question independently. In relation to the use of subheadings, it is good that Smyth (2011) was able to sort out a wide-range of relevant reading materials based on similar ideas and phrases. By critically analyzing the close link between each theme, the author was able to create a more logical pattern as he tries to come up with ideas that can clearly justify his research assumptions (Punch, 2009, p. 346). Another strong point that was noted in the study of Smyth (2011) is that the author took time to reflect on his arguments. In line with this, Punch (2009, p. 346) mentioned that the process of “noting reflections” is a significant part when it comes to conducting a qualitative research study. In general, research paradigms can either be one of the following: (1) positivist or postpositivist; (2) constructivist; (3) critical theory or realist; (4) deconstructivist; (5) emancipatory; (5) interpretivist; (6) post structuralist; (7) pragmatism; and (8) transformative (Eacott, 2011a, p. 23; Mackenzie & Knipe, 2006). Based on human experiences in the past, Smyth (2011) made use of interpretivist or constructivist research paradigm. It means that the author was trying to seek a better understanding about the factors that can weaken the concept of a self-managing school. This further explains why the author made use of historical facts to create an entirely new concept or idea that can strongly support his research study assumptions (Mackenzie & Knipe, 2006). As part of the author’s reflection, he presented a clear figure which represents the main purpose of each factor necessary in creating a self-managing school. For example, presented on page 113, the figure clearly shows that the idea of using the “national curriculum” can help the school administration personnel create a self-managing school since the guidelines set in the National Curriculum is very much relevant in the promotion of learning whereas “School Choice” is also necessary in creating a self-managing school since the concept of School Choice encourages the school to practice diversity in teaching. When conducting a qualitative research study, it is essential to use tables, charts, and figures since these tools will allow the researcher to clearly present facts in a way that it is easier for the readers to understand. Likewise, the author was able to maintain a smoth flow of ideas when discussing each of his arguments. Instead of conducting a research interview to generate some answers to these questions, Smyth (2011) decided to explore past and current studies to come up with a better and well-justified answer as to why he considered the concept of self-managing school as an indicative of a failed capitalism that was applied in the process of teaching and learning. In fact, through the use of critical thinking process, the author was able to effectively decode and integrate the ideas of other people in such a way that the readers could easily understand what the author would like to explain about the given research topic. Regardless of the chosen research method, the process of completing a research study enables the researcher to “stimulate, inform, reinforce, challenge, and quetsion” one’s own personal expereince which are all equally important when it comes to enhancing the teaching and leadership skills of the school teachers (McMillan, 2011). In line with this, one of the advantages of using the phenomenological approach in research study is that this particular research method allows the researcher to develop some interesting information about the external factors which may affect the development of a self-managing school. However, the process of observing and interpreting the gathered information increases the chances wherein the researcher can make some mistakes or biased judgment when it comes to interpreting what has been observed or gathered about the said research topic (McMillan, 2011; Taylor, 2005, p. 106). As a result, the validity and reliability of the research findings can be directly affected (Taylor, 2005, p. 106). In most cases, it is the school director who is in-charge of managing and coordinating inside and outside school activities (Eacott, 2011b). Furthermore, it is necessary to take note that the study of educational leadership is very complex in the sense that there will always be a continuous and close interaction between the school teachers, the students, parents, and environment (McMillan, 2011). For this reason, staying focused on gathering the point-of-views of the school teachers alone can make the researcher unable to get the insights coming from other equally significant groups who belong to the different levels of the educational spheres. In the study of Smyth (2011), the author did not use research interview method in his qualitative research study. For this reason, the author was not able to have the opportunity to generate subjective response coming from the school teachers, the students, and parents. 2.5 Research Findings The research finding that was presented by Smyth (2011) was derived out of his reflection on external factors that can affect self-managing schools. In line witht his, Smyth (2011, p. 112) explained that the concept of a self-motivating school was actually a by-product of a broader structure that was initiated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the World Bank. Instead of maintaining public schools, various organizations strongly support the need to privatise the educational institutions. By doing so, the educational institutions can free itself from the old bureaucratic control which includes those that comes straight from government intervention. As a result, the educational institutions are expected to become more responsive and flexible when it comes to addressing the learning needs of the students. Based on the author’s reflection, Smyth (2011, p. 115) strongly suggest that the schools should stay focus on addressing the main concern of the local community rather than making the institution become more “possessive and competitive”. For this reason, whatever decisions made by the school administration personnel should be more directed in addressing issues related to “educational considerations” (Smyth, 2011, p. 115). 2.6 Impact of the Research on Practice within the School System The research study that was conducted by Smyth (2011) is useful in terms of giving the readers some idea about the potential external factors which can make educational institutions failed to become a self-managing school. By reading the works of Smyth (2011), the school administration and staff will be able to gain a better idea or understanding as to how capitalism could adversely affect or prevent some educational institutions from establishing itself as a self-managing school. The process of creating a self-managing school is necessary in terms of empowering the school. In fact, the concept of school empowerment has gained much importance within the modern approach to educational improvements. With this in mind, the process of identifying factors that can serve as a hindrance in becoming a self-managing school can help the school administration personnel design a solution on how they can counteract, avoid, or effectively address each of these external factors (i.e. insufficient government funding for public schools, locale, school history, and old bureaucratic practices such as hierarchy in decision-making, excessive use or implementation of rules and regulations, and red tape) (Smyth, 2011). By doing so, both the private and public educational institutions can have a better chance of becoming a self-managing school in the near future. Furthermore, the use of effective strategies could somehow increase the chances wherein the school administration personnel could empower the schools worldwide. In other words, the research study of Smyth (2011) is very much useful in terms of creating public awareness about how politics is currently affecting the educational system as a whole. Since politics and education have two (2) different objectives and goals, the research study of Smyth (2011) strongly suggest that the school administration personnel should protect their own interest from politicians or third party individuals who are trying to convert or influence a significant change within the educational system in such a way that it can fit in the capitalist world. 3. Conclusion and Recommendations It is possible to conduct a qualitative research on school leaders through the use of phenomenological, interpretivist, and constructivist approach. However, the researcher should keep in mind of the need to balance the use of the most recent and older publications. In general, the use of mostly out-dated academic books and journals increases the risks wherein the researcher would create or come up with irrelevant ideas. In the process of balancing the use of the most recent and older publications, the researcher could have prevented the risk of being accused of using out-dated information to support his arguments and claims. Applicable to the process of conducting a qualitative research study, the researcher should avoid heavy reliance on the author’s personal judgement and reasonings. In the process of using ideas and thoughts taken from the point-of-views of other people, the researcher can somehow minimize the risk of manipulating the research findings. References Bogdan, R., & Biklen, S. (1998). Qualitative research for education: An introduction to theory and methods. 3rd edition. In Mackenzie, N. & Knipe, S. (eds) "Research dilemmas: Paradigms, methods and methodology". Issues in Educational Research. 2006. Vol. 16. 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