Case Study: Learning Environment of 3 Schools

Yesterday's hands-on activity required the class to look at 3 different case studies. Each group were given a different school to analyse. My group was given School A. We discussed and every group were given the opportunity to present their discussions.

From the discussions, I realised that it is not necessarily advantageous to have e Principal who is able to make decisions on his own. Throughout my teaching life, I have always worked under a female principal. A common complaint during coffee sessions amongst the male teachers is that female principals are not decisive enough. My male colleagues complained about the time taken to make certain decisions and sometimes certain issues were just not tackled quickly enough. A few staff meetings were organised to discuss these issues and yet sometimes decisions were still not made.

But after reading about the Principal of School A, I appreciate what my previous principals did. What they all did was about including the staff in decision making. Certain decisions are better made with the consensus of staff. This can lead to positive staff morale and improve the school’s psychosocial environment.

Teachers actually look up to the principals for direction and inspiration. The principal’s role is vital in setting the tone and direction of the school (System Change & System Maintenance). This will have an impact on how students or staffs perceive the school as an environment. This is why some of us feel good about our working environment and why some of us just don’t feel like working in a particular place.