How can I, as a district manager, engage in the educational practice of self-construction in order to make a unique contribution to the existing body of knowledge about underperforming public schools. How can I, as a District Manager, improve curriculum management and delivery in my schools in Babanango District.
Introduction
The Statement of Purpose: What is my main concern?
How do I engage as a circuit leader in the educational practice of self-construction and make a specific contribution to the existing body of knowledge regarding failing public schools. The heart of this narrative independent study concerns the application of one of the concepts of the Greek philosopher Aristotle in 400 BC.
The reason for the research project: Why am I so concerned?
What this means is that our Minister of Basic Education and Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) of the KwaZulu-Natal Education Department must change the perception of 'the glass is half empty' to that of 'the glass is half full'. There is of course a great need to face the possible truth, which is that our education system is probably failing us, as evidenced by the practice of 'progress'.
Exploration and articulation of argument
Embodiment of Evidence-Based Practice
These effects can be seen in improvements in the physical environment of the school, improved academic results and improved spirit (or esprit de corps) among students, staff and parents, and finally in increased practitioner awareness. . In presenting my evidence on underperformance in schools, I draw on the work of foreign practitioners such as Fox, et al., (2007); Freshwater and Rolfe, (2001), Eraut, (1994); Jarvis, (1999); and McLeod, (1999) and I do so in the hope that despite the difference in socio-cultural contexts, there may still be the opportunity to benefit from examples of best practice abroad.
Definitions of Dysfunctional Schools
Similarly, former president Thabo Mbeki, at the opening of the Fourth Democratic Teachers' Union in Durban, expressed concern about "teachers losing respect". Recently, King Goodwill Zwelithini expressed concern over the poor quality of education in South Africa, saying it was unacceptable that the country was ranked even lower than some of the poorest countries on the continent.
The context of Educational Reform and Inequality
Furthermore, this report pointed out that the “hidden curriculum” fostered the habit of uncritically accepting the status quo in favor of something else. These views confirmed for me some of the reasons for educational inequality in South Africa.
Perspectives on Educational Reforms
On the other hand, children from the middle class were considered to have superior intellectual abilities and capacities. Some of the authors became skeptical of the idea of school effectiveness (SE) and called for a paradigm shift towards school improvement (SI) in the 1980s.
Bouncing Back can lead to a ‘Vicious Spiral’
Dewey (1916) would have referred to this as an 'educational experience' as opposed to a 'mis-educational experience'. On the other hand, Pithouse (2007) reminds us that, according to Dewey (1963), mis-educational experience is an experience that hinders or distorts the development of further experience.
Generic framework underpinning the research project
The foundation of our liberty, the guarantee of our future, the cause of our prosperity and strength, the bulwark of our security, the bright and shining beacon of our hope, the source of our illumination...the public school.” He/she will require the collaborative action of committed teachers on the one hand, and committed students/eager learners - a community of learners where all are engaged in the intentional learning process.
Generic framework underpinning the research project
On the other hand, I am writing this thesis for others (a kind of 'reader' text), for critical friends, validation groups who continuously make formative assessments and who give feedback on progress achieved, and for the reviewers who play a central role in the summative assessment of my work. In writing this chapter of my research project, I will record some of my background experiences as a designated 'black' child and of the alienation, anxiety, discrimination, marginalization and deprivation that caused me such excruciating psychological pain.
Sequence of chapters
The impetus for designing this chapter arose from the research stance adopted, which informs the choice and selection of the methodology. That is to say, I explore and reflect on the developed model, as put forward by Kurt Lewin (do, plan, review).
Concluding Insights
Introduction
Location of the study area
On a positive note, the emergence of a taxi industry has improved the living conditions of many families in the Msinga Municipality. The Buffels River forms the eastern boundary, the Mooi River forms the western boundary, and the Tugela River dissects the entire reserve horizontally into two halves.
Context for colonial segregation in the Third World
All these factors can produce social unrest that can lead to violent protests, which is common in South Africa. This seems similar to the role played by Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress in South Africa.
Theoretical perspectives on colonial segregation and inequality
In Frank's words, 'development and underdevelopment are two sides of the same coin' (Frank, 1969, p.4). By this, Wallerstein means that the socio-economic and political landscape perpetuates inequality through a system of bare-bones exploitation of the Third World by First World countries on a global scale.
Apartheid discrimination in South Africa
Akkaataa yaada Komishinii Eiselen tiin Ministirri Dhimma Biyya Keessaa yeroo sanaa Dr. H.F. Boodarra ammoo Yuunivarsiitiiwwan gosa biroo Baantustaanota Transkei, Bophuthatswana fi QwaQwa keessatti hundeeffaman.
Concluding Insights
The point made here is that the forceful eviction of the villagers from their ancestral land dealt them a decisive blow.
Introduction
Core Themes
Eternal search for excellence
In the eyes of the local public and especially parents in the Umlazi district, Menzi High School is a striking example of good practice that can stand as an inspiration for all the public schools in the province of KwaZulu-Natal as a center of excellence. In this regard, I have kept a research journal and it was very useful and meaningful in terms of recording my personal impressions and feelings, attitudes, assumptions, values, premises and so on about Menzi High School.
Personal Positive Impressions about Menzi High School: educators as transformative
Peter Drucker claimed that "the spirit of the organization makes ordinary people do extraordinary things". This thesis deals with educators as transformative intellectuals; people who want to feel that they were in their own way 'artists' in the great game of life.
Self-reflective practice
My self-study focuses on reflective practice and transformative change and, by embodying such reflective practice within myself in the context of my relationship with others, both professionally and personally, I will explore the application and implementation of this change involving practice self-reflective. in my work and in my life. Self-reflective practice is practiced by stepping back and pausing for the moment, especially in the heat of the moment.
Partnerships – a Social contract perspective
By knowing ourselves, we unleash the fullness of our potential and capacities in order to realize the absolute best we can be in the context of work and life. It is essential that he awakens the "I-Thou" relationship in the student as well, who must aim and affirm his educator as this special person; and yet the educational relationship could not stand if the student also practiced the art of embracing by living the shared situation from the perspective of the educator.
Inclusionality – collaboration, participation, and an egalitarian approach
Inkosi Sithole, the chief of the local tribal area in which the school is located, called a meeting of parents to resolve the matter. Some of the perpetrators have apologized to their parents, but one has decided to leave the meeting.
Quantum world – a Future shock perspective
This is the heart of the matter: the accelerating pace and unprecedented impact of change.” Ntombela (deputy director and chairman of Nquthu Municipality) died immediately after being shot five times in the head and body.
Reciprocity of perspective
Similarly, Thomas Schwandt, together with Alfred Schutz (1970), talks about 'understanding the complex world of lived experience from those who live it', the emic point of view. Fernandez (2014) and Hardman have also provided me with useful insights into the concept of reciprocity in the context of this study.
Espoused theory versus Theory-in-use: a congruent self-perspective
In other words, my supervisor bullied and dehumanized me in front of the community in question. In addition, Elder Mrs Lwandle led an emotionally compelling prayer for the plight of the new school.
Living contradiction: Felt-need perspective
Basically, it was that heartfelt desire that led to the creation of the Walk Committee. It connects an emotionally compelling vision with an emotionally compelling cause - raising the Bereavement Fund.
Living values more fully in practice: The Ubuntu perspective
The main aim was increasingly to help families of the deceased educators to bury their loved ones with dignity. I only wish that all my colleagues were there to learn a lesson in recognizing the art of leadership that I strive for my entire professional life.
Become the change we want to in the world
However, three schools are still a thorn in the flesh; for example Bhekisizwe, Enhlopheni and Hwanqana. As a result, I felt more capacitated, rejuvenated and enthusiastic to carry out my duties as circuit leader on the one hand and to be a leader in general in the public space on the other hand.
Reflexive critique
This placed a huge responsibility on me to be a role model in my work as a circuit manager and leader so that my attempt at transformative leadership can have a positive impact on people.
Time management
Why this is telling in this narrative is because we assume that modern society, by its very organization, requires a deep awareness of time management. However, like the Ubuntu paradox above, the management of time, or the lack of it, in our schools – where teachers and teachers alike tend not to adhere to the formal hours of the school system – is a complex matter that runs deep into cultural notions of time. e.g.
Serenity
My principals in the Babanango circuit tended to exclaim happily at the beginning of the meeting, in reference to me, that "He is not wasting our time". Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one set of footprints.
Contexts Underpinning the Narrative Self-study
- Public Good: Selflessness
- Service Delivery and the Paradoxical Nature of Leadership
- Bullying Context
- Locational Context
- Professional Identity Context
- Policy-Making
- Ethical Context
- Spiritualty: Higher Purpose
Dewey emphasized that the primacy of experiential learning lies in the ability to postpone immediate action, especially in the heat of the moment. I was initially appointed in July 1997 at Msinga Circuit as Ward Manager (now called Circuit Manager) in Keates Drift Ward.
Studies that served as impetus for the Menzi Effect
The Hawthorne Effect
I will later explore and reflect on how this research project has helped me to address relevant issues at work and in life as a circuit manager at Umzinyathi District Office. As a result of this research project that lasted some eight years, Mayo and his colleagues put forward the following propositions that became the core of the Human Relations approach in the social research and management domain: First, special attention became a factor to to increase their knowledge. morale and made them want to perform better.
The Pygmalion Effect
A common thread that weaves through the Pygmalion effect concerns a perennial search for the best. If taken a step further, the Pygmalion effect tends to highlight the importance of 'Meta-analysis' (Payne, et al., 2007) in the pedagogical practice of teaching and learning among others.
The Butterfly Effect
On reflection, I should also consider the concept of 'paralysis by analysis' developed by Peters and Waterman (1982). That is, the analytical tool that characterizes the rational approach should only be used as an aid to, rather than a substitute for. for an integral human intelligence (Harrison, 2005). By this I mean the examination of teaching and learning broad issues in terms of discovery, invention and illumination (Ibid.
Concluding Insights
By this I mean the study of teaching and learning broad issues in the form of discovery, invention and illumination (Ibid, 2009: 37). I have also discussed the following contexts: public good, professional identity, bullying, services, ethics and spirituality.
Introduction
Basic Theoretical Approaches in Research Methodology
Propositional theories
Etic” to describe this approach, whose proponents embrace deductive reasoning, which involves the belief that theory informs practice. Finally, protagonists of traditional research argue that the 'one-best way' to conduct research is to adopt the propositional approach.
Dialectical Theories
They tend to be based on a search for certainty and are communicated in the form of general statements in response to specific responses. In this approach, researchers formulate hypotheses and research questions that either support or refute the theory.
Living Theories
The Three Voices in Contemporary Research Practice
The Three Worlds- Linking Theory and Practice
Metascience or metatheory not only focuses on relationships between theories, but also demonstrates philosophical foundations underlying any perspective or framework. Epistemological assumption: refers to the nature of the relationship that exists between the researchers on the one hand and the research participants on the other.
Multiple Living Theory Methodologies
Adair (2003) emphasizes humility and modesty as foundations of the social contract in the broad context of service delivery. Footprints in the Sand enabled me and others (educators, school administrators and non-teaching staff) to learn the art of seeing our work as a calling/vocation (Sharma, 2010: 58).
Research Stance
Auto-ethnography Methodology
Self-study Methodology
The consideration of ontology, of one's being in and towards the world, should be a central feature of any discussion of the value of self-study research. Self-study research tends to share similar features to those that underpin action research methodology.
Paradigms in Research Practice
Definition of paradigm
Both modernism in the natural sciences and positivism in the social sciences tend to focus on absolute truth. Thirdly, modernism/positivism asserts that reality exists 'out there' to be discovered by the scientist.
Multifaceted perspectives
The constructivist perspective takes its origin from Marx's (1956) statement that people actively construct their world. This perspective was developed by Winch and has given me an opportunity to understand how people play language games at work and in life (Wittgenstein, 1958).
Concluding Insights
Introduction
Quest for absolute best
Put differently, self-reflective practice is a necessary core to all inquiry—and it is a requirement for robust self-enquiry (Marshall Whitehead, 1989). This will lead to questions like: 'How do I improve what I'm doing here?' The initial impetus and catalyst for my appreciation and application of reflective practice arose from involvement in the Learning and Change module during my leadership postgraduate studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2006-2007.
Developing full human potential
Models in research practice
Kurt Lewin’s classical model
Dewey’s model
McNiff and Whitehead’s model
Figures 7 and 8 above, developed by Kurt Lewin (1997), gave me a richer understanding of the concept of transformative social action in the context of self-reflective inquiry. Kurt Lewin, the founder of action research, noted that a system can only be understood in the process of changing it, and that school principals in the Jama Circuit have adopted Mahatma Gandhi's dictum: “Be the change we want to see in the world '. .
Transformative social action model
Karl Marx was among the first to express the view that "the philosophers only interpreted the world in different ways; the point is to change it' (Marx and Engels 1989:339). These are completeness – the ability to give a vivid description of what I have done to give an explanation of how and why I did this; truthfulness – ensuring that the textual account is consistent; sincerity – the scientific text must be authentic and genuine in all respects; appropriateness – with regard to references and quotations, the material should be grounded in socio-political and historical antecedents.
Sacrifice Model
Description of what Schools That Work do – developing full potential
Explanation of why Schools That Work do these practices- Centres of Excellence
Guiliani articulated the need for leaders to focus on supremacy by serving the greater cause of humanity, which is consistent with the ideals of social contract philosophy. I use the convention relationship interchangeably with the concept of social contract in the context of this thesis, and as part of the social contract there is the obligation to leave a positive social legacy.
Language Games Model
What legacy are you leaving behind when you are no longer in that organization or no longer on earth. In other words, to better understand the art of espousing moral values and trying to live them more fully in practice (Schon, 1995).
Competency Model
Gladwell (2000), among others, argued that small things, after reaching the 'Tipping Point', can make a big difference in the organizational and business context. In short, the tipping point concept can inspire employees to achieve breakthrough results and strive to be the best they can be.
Example of link between theory and practice
Jama circuit narrative account
They decided to take political action and communicate their concern to the MEC through its communications director. I personally drafted the memo and handed it to the Director of Communications because the MEC was in Dundee (Umzinyathi district) that night.
Concluding Insights
Specifically, drafting a memorandum of protest may not be a challenge in first world democracies, but in the context of some South African communities - where we range from feudal to first world societies - it can be a matter of life and death, I believe. confirmed by his own story in this independent study.
Introduction
Meta-learning means the art and practice of learning about learning itself; it is about knowing about knowing (Kitchener, 1983).
Three Levels of Learning: Strohm Kitchener’s Model
This chapter explores and reflects on the nuances of experiential learning in service delivery and on the ability to learn from failure (Collins and Porras) or from mistakes (Kouzes and Posner and learning about learning itself: 'meta-learning'). Part of the problem seems to lie in the fact that many of the people in leadership positions rarely learn from mistakes/mistakes made during their tenure.
Organizational schools of thought
In the Planning School, specialist strategic planners adopt formal, step-by-step techniques to do much the same as the design school (Ansoff, 1965); The positioning school, is built on the design and planning schools, but focuses on strategy content (Porter, 1985);
Learning school
With the Entrepreneurial school, strategy is seen as a visionary process carried out by leaders (Peters and Waterman, 1982). The term 'learning organisation' is used interchangeably with 'institutional learning', to denote collective learning at all levels of an organization with the aim of achieving extraordinary results.
The Spirit of an organization
A company therefore builds the art and practice of securing a competitive advantage (Porter 1980) by nurturing core competencies (Prahalad and Hamel 1990) and ultimately achieves a sustainable competitive advantage in the long run.
Scenario planning
Dialogue as a tool of learning
Implementation/execution gap
- Three-steps model of Kurt Lewin
- Adaptive learning and Generative Mode of Inquiry
- Single and double loop learning model
- Triple loop learning
- Three levels of learning
- Four learning cycles
In contrast, the generative learning mode of inquiry (lower cycle) represents a delayed and responsive foundational intervention to the current soft problem situation. Learning starts only at level 1, which is analogous to single-loop learning or adaptive learning.
Example of the link between theory and practice: Msinga CMC
Mmangaliso Primary School
This is not the forum to examine details of the various legislative frameworks that have led to illiteracy, grinding poverty, unemployment, overcrowding, violence and other social ills in areas such as Msinga in the KwaZulu-Natal province, but one can call colonial policy. of segregation on the one hand, and apartheid separate development, constitutionally established by the Nationalist government in 1948. The building of the new school brought a new sense of pride to the community and enrollment at the school grew significantly.
New schools established 1997-2006
From the beginning it was obvious that there were not enough schools to cater for the existing and rapidly growing number of students seeking fair conditions to receive an education as their constitutional right. Continuing to push the education authorities to provide more schools, more equipment, better facilities and better trained staff does not make you popular, because it is perceived in a way as a criticism of the existing administration, but determination and persistence can eventually pay results.
Example of link between theory and practice: Mvoti CMC
Busana High School, Matimatolo, Greytown
It doesn't matter where you come from; what gender or color, how old you are or how rich you are. In short, it does not matter whether the learner is from a deep rural or urban area, female or male, from a needy family or from a wealthy family.
Sangweni combined school, Matimatolo – Greytown
Example of link between theory and practice: Menzi High, Umlazi District
Educators are competent in both content knowledge and subject methodology. For example, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State grants the school a scholarship for ten (10) students to pursue any field of study for four years.
Meta-Reflexivity in Professional Practice
- Spirituality – the Higher purpose
- The famous monologue
- Turbulence and violence in public schools
- Comparing Management and Leadership
- The value of education
- The purpose of education
- The Goal of Education
- Educating the Whole Child
- Characteristics of Schools That Work
This brutal incident is believed to be linked to widespread corruption in the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal, in particular. Basically, he had been promoted as the principal of the famous Hlange High School located in the Inanda area by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education.
Concluding Insights
Effective schools also raise the standard of living at home and in society (Jansen and Blank, 2014:34). In the last chapters of this thesis, I deal with the last step of the four frameworks, namely profound change in the professional practice of educators in primary schools; how effective leadership can accelerate service delivery and how dysfunctional leadership can impede service delivery within a public school.
Introduction
The Foundations of the Leadership Repertoire
Profound Change – A Key to Transformative Leadership. between types of leaders based on the different power bases involved in “personalized power.” or primitive power, and “socialized power” or modern power. 2002) distinguish between 'dissonant leadership' and 'resonant leadership', and Maccoby (2007) refers to two diametrically opposed types of personality traits, for example productive or constructive narcissistic leaders and unproductive or reactive narcissistic leaders. However, Kets de Vries reminds readers that there is another side of the coin: the “shadow side” of leadership that can often darken the lives of many.
The Organizational Iceberg Metaphor
Kets de Vries (2001: 6) notes that most of the literature on leadership portrays the leader as a figure of virtue and speaks in glowing terms of the qualities that constitute leadership. For example, political leaders such as Adolf Hitler, Idi Amin, Joseph Stalin, Saddam Hussein among numerous others provide classic examples of derailed or failed leadership that display 'darker' personality traits that develop from childhood and mature as we grow until they is reflected in adulthood (Ibid, 21). This 'shadow side deals with the hidden, the undiscussed, the "indisputable" and the unmentionable' (Egan, 1994: 4).
The Context and Meaning of Deep Change
The organizational culture plays a significant and perhaps even a dominant role if something more than incremental change is to happen.
Contemporary Leadership Perspectives
- The Charismatic Leadership Perspective
- The Visionary Leadership Perspective
- Transactional Leadership Perspective
- The Transformational Leadership Perspective
- Self-organising Metaphor: Internal Generative Capacity
- Narcissistic Leadership
- Servant Leadership
- Authentic Leadership
- Spiritual Leadership
- Entrepreneurial Leadership
Members of the organization act as 'brand managers' in the life and work context. A deep sense of identity sets them apart from others in the same company. In short, such leaders focus on uplifting the hearts and minds of people.
Concluding Insights
During my working life in the KwaZulu-Natal Ministry of Education as an educator, principal and district manager, I have resisted corruption and championed good governance. During my independent study as a practitioner researcher (see Chapter Four), I created my own living educational theory called Service Delivery Methodology based on the concept of Dadds and Hurt (2001).
Ethical Clearance
Gatekeeper’s Permission
Informed Consent
Departmental Invitation i.r.o. Service Delivery
Chief SEM Intervention (30/08/2012)
Letter of Motivation: Mmangaliso Primary School
Acceptance Letter
Context of Allegations of Corruption
