scholarly journals Concept and Design Developments in School Improvement Research: General Discussion and Outlook for Further Research

Author(s):  
Tobias Feldhoff ◽  
Katharina Maag Merki ◽  
Arnoud Oude Groote Beverborg ◽  
Falk Radisch

AbstractThis book aimed to present innovative designs, measurement instruments, and analysis methods by way of illustrative studies. Through these methodology and design developments, the complexity of school improvement in the context of new governance and accountability measures can be better depicted in future research projects. In this concluding chapter, we discuss what strengths the presented methodologies and designs have and to what extent they do better justice to the multilevel, complex, and dynamic nature of school improvement than previous approaches. In addition, we outline some needs for future research in order to gain new perspectives for future studies.

Author(s):  
Mihály Fazekas ◽  
Luciana Cingolani ◽  
Bence Tóth

While there is continued interest in measuring governance, disagreement on how best to do so has only grown over time. To provide pointers at innovative and rigorous indicator building, this chapter documents innovations in measuring a particularly challenging governance dimension: corruption in public procurement. In hopes of inspiring future research, the chapter critically reviews objective corruption proxies using administrative data on government purchases falling in four broad categories: tendering risk indicators, political connections indicators, supplier risk indicators, and contracting body risk indicators. The findings indicate that the best measurement instruments focus on the transaction level (micro level) while allowing for consistent aggregations for time series and cross-country comparisons. Such actionable indicators capture behaviour as directly as possible rather than remaining at the country level. They also retain the relational or transactional aspects of governance, revealing a much more dynamic picture than widely used population and expert surveys.


Religions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 373
Author(s):  
Piotr Siuda

Today, it is challenging to separate online and offline spaces and activities, and this is also true of digital religion as online and offline religious spaces become blended or blurred. With this background, the article explores the need for new typologies of what is religious on the Internet and proposes a conceptual framework for mapping digital religion. Four types of that which is religious on the Internet are presented based on influential classification by Helland. He introduced (1) religion online (sites that provide information without interactivity) and (2) online religion (interactivity and participation). Helland’s concept is developed by, among others, adding two types: (3) innovative religion (new religious movements, cults, etc.) and (4) traditional religion (e.g., Christianity or Islam). Each type is illustrated by selected examples and these are a result of a larger project. The examples are grouped into three areas: (1) religious influencers, (2) online rituals and (3) cyber-religions (parody religions). Additionally, the visual frame for mapping digital religion is presented including the examples mentioned. The presented framework attempts to improve Helland’s classification by considering a more dynamic nature of digital religion. The model is just one possible way for mapping digital religion and thus should be developed further. These and other future research threads are characterized.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahad Shakeel ◽  
Peter Mathieu Kruyen ◽  
Sandra Van Thiel

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer a review of the selected literature in ethical leadership synthesizing findings from 45 articles selected from journals on leadership, public administration, organizational behavior, psychology and ethics. Design/methodology/approach Four themes are addressed: the conceptualization of ethical leadership theories, the existence of popular measurement instruments for ethical leadership, findings on ethical leadership in the public sector and outcomes of ethical leadership in terms of benefits and negative consequences. Findings The definition by Brown et al. (2005) is the most frequently used definition, even though recent criticism states that this definition may be too narrow. Ethical leadership is usually measured by means of a survey; however, there are at least three different questionnaires in use. In the public sector, ethical leadership has been linked to both positive outcomes and negative consequences. Research limitations/implications This paper only includes selected academic articles and does not include published books. Originality/value Based on our findings, the authors present recommendations for future research, among others into a broader conceptualization of ethical leadership and the use of mixed methods.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Böse ◽  
Stefan Brauckmann-Sajkiewicz

PurposeThis study aims to explore the extent to which schools principals serving disadvantaged communities in Germany are able to set appropriate goals and choose suitable measures for improving their schools according to the specific challenges they face. The authors determine whether principals are able to identify their schools' challenges or whether they merely follow “universal recipes” of the school effectiveness research paradigm regardless of their particular school context. This effectiveness-driven accountability approach requires an in-depth evaluation of the school and its stakeholders and might lead to a new attitude toward failure that sees it as an essential part of developing effective school improvement plans.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted descriptive and correlative analyses as well as exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using longitudinal data of 164 school principals. Through cross-sectional analyses, the authors investigated the connection among challenges, goals and measures and how they correlated with (self-reported) improvements.FindingsFrom a leadership perspective, priorities for school improvement should be aligned with the school-specific challenges they identify and the goals they set to address them.Research limitations/implicationsThe extent to which legislation concerning individual school quality development programs can translate into feasible and effective actions is unclear. Caution should be taken when interpreting the findings of this study, as they reflect school principals' self-selected evaluation measures and therefore might be biased.Practical implicationsIn future research, emphasis should be placed on school management processes, in particular, the development of strategic decision-making, structuring of target perspectives and derivation of steps in school improvement and instructional development. The authors recommend the government offer school principals appropriate and adequate training and support services to prevent them from overburdening their staff.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to a deeper understanding of processes concerning strategic leadership, as opposed to operative management, of schools by revealing context-sensitive considerations.


1970 ◽  
Vol 19 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 344-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T. Schwartz

This twin register was organized as a resource for studies on the eye. It has been possible to share this resource with other disciplines through effective collaboration. Conversely, only through the assistance of other investigators who are working with twins, will it be practical to undertake certain studies which are important in ophthalmology. The purpose of this presentation is to convey a description of our register and some of its limitations, and to specify the need for collaboration with others.The original purpose in assembling this register was to identify a group of twins readily available for multiple clinical examinations. Since the first examining facility was to be located near the National Institutes of Health, practical considerations required that twin residence be limited to the metropolitan Washington, D. C. area. Twins of all ages were included in the register, since proposed investigations pertained to different age categories. No effort was made to select twins through randomization procedures; all twins who were identified were invited to membership in the register. A variety of methods were used to locate twins, including contact with schools and clubs, but the largest proportion of registrants were recommended by other twins.Twins were offered a thorough eye examination, along with the solicitation of their interest in participating in future research activities. The clinical examination was offered for the following reasons:1) To encourage informed interest in proposed future investigations by acquainting the twins with our facility and purpose;2) To perform base-line observations, so as to identify and enumerate ocular characteristics as an aid in selecting subsets of twins for future studies;3) To obtain data for possible estimates of heritability of selected ocular characteristics.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-93
Author(s):  
Putu Eka Widyadharma ◽  
Aurelia Vania ◽  
Jimmy FA Barus ◽  
Yudiyanta . ◽  
Thomas Eko Purwata

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a result of direct disturbances of somatosensory pathways. Its pathophysiology includes various mechanisms. Recent studies have reported an important role of microglia in the NP mechanism. There are several chemical molecules which are involved in microglia activation. The activated microglia will, in turn, enhance some receptors expression that can be used as markers of its activation. Though we still need future studies about precise microglia role in NP mechanism, the chemical mediators that initiate microglia activation and the alteration of some receptors in the activated microglia which have been found from previous studies can be the interesting future research materials and the promising target for a new therapy for NP. Citation: Widyadharma PE, Vania A, Barus JFA, Yudiyanta, Purwata TE. Biomarkers for microglia activation in neuropathic pain. Anaesth pain intensive care 2020;24(1):___ DOI: https://doi.org/10.35975/apic.v24i1. Received – 12 June 2019, Reviewed – 15 September 2019, 29 February 2020, Accepted – 2 March 2020;


2021 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-238
Author(s):  
Petra Daňsová ◽  
◽  
Lenka Lacinová ◽  
Dana Seryjová Juhová

This study introduces the concept of emotional labour, the theoretical underpinnings of its delineation and connections to emotion regulation and brings it into the context of parenthood. Emotional labour was originally described by sociologists in the context of a work environment which requires one to consciously influence one’s emotions when interacting with a customer or a client. The connection of emotional labour with psychological theories of emotion regulation allowed for a better understanding and grasp the mechanisms through which emotional labour can lead to “burning out” or stress. Currently, parents are exposed to a great amount of information about how to “correctly” parent their children, which together with their own idea of a good parent, the influence of their family and close friends as well as other people, creates high demands precisely in the area of experiencing and expressing emotions in their interactions with their children. Today, the parent role approaches that of the job in several aspects. Its demands for emotional labour can be linked to negative impacts on mental health. The concept of emotional labour can be considered to be appropriate for a better understanding of what a parent experiences with the child in mundane situations and how parents handle the emotions. The perspective of emotional labour can therefore bring important information about emotions in parenthood and about the influence of intentionally working with these emotions on the mental functioning of parents even beyond the explanatory confines of emotion regulation. This study also introduces measurement instruments used to capture emotional labour and its dimensions. For future research of emotional labour in parenthood, creating a valid and reliable instrument, which has so far been lacking both in the Czech and international contexts, is a necessity.


2022 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 243-263
Author(s):  
Mohd Fadhli Shah Khaidzir ◽  
Ruzy Suliza Hashim ◽  
Noraini Md. Yusof

Background and Purpose: The absence of psychogeographical awareness is a critical factor contributing to the lackadaisical attitudes towards the place and its environment. As a result, it enables an individual to fully experience a location, both physically and intellectually, while also gaining a feeling of self-discovery and self-realisation.   Methodology: The purpose of this study was to examine the responses of a group of individuals who participated in a field observation. 40 participants from a Malaysian university's foundation level were brought to Malacca to experience the environment's geographical scenery at their own leisure. The survey data was then manually transcribed and analysed in accordance with the study's aim.   Findings: Interactions with individuals and observation of features in the countryside and urban surroundings enabled participants to go on a psychogeographical journey that influenced their way of thinking and behaving. All participants felt that the journey had influenced their experiences and perspectives on their thinking and behaviour, highlighting the critical role of this notion in establishing the connection between place and self.   Contributions:  The findings of this study provide a solid foundation for future research in the field of psychogeography. The data may be used as a baseline for future studies to determine whether a comparable impact exists in other locations, with or without significant features like those found in Malacca.   Keywords: Psychogeography, place attachment, place meaning, self-discovery, Malacca.   Cite as: Khaidzir, M. F. S., Hashim, R. S., & Md. Yusof, N. (2022). Psychogeographical experience between the self and the place.  Journal of Nusantara Studies, 7(1), 243-263. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol7iss1pp243-263


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 115-133
Author(s):  
Birhanu Sintayehu

This study aimed to critically examine the power sources and influences of school principals in secondary schools of Eastern Ethiopia. A descriptive survey research design was employed to carry out the study. The participants of the study were 145 teachers, 78 principals, and 41 supervisors who were selected by using stratified and random sampling techniques. The researcher adopted descriptive and inferential statistics to make sound interpretations of data. The results revealed that school principals were mostly used expert, legitimate, and reward sources of power. Likewise, school principals have predominantly exercised a positional basis of power rather than personal power. There was a significant statistical difference in power sources of school principals regarding positions, gender, and service years. The findings also showed that school principals dominantly practiced proactive influencing tactics. Moreover, findings indicated that subordinates carried out school principals' compliance to obtain a prize or avoid punishment by applied reactive influence tactics. The study further discovered that subordinates were inclined to resist school principals' influence. This study suggests secondary principals should rethink how power is managed and deployed to make sound influence over subordinates to assure quality education. Hence, the results of the study may serve as a springboard to improve secondary school leadership and equip novice teachers to bring them a principalship position. Plus, this study may provide a clear picture for policymakers, scholars, and government officials to support and retain principals for long-term school improvement, and it may also a theoretical benefit for future research on the area of study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven J. Holochwost ◽  
Judith Hill Bose ◽  
Elizabeth Stuk ◽  
Eleanor D. Brown ◽  
Kate E. Anderson ◽  
...  

Growth mindset is an important aspect of children’s socioemotional development and is subject to change due to environmental influence. Orchestral music education may function as a fertile context in which to promote growth mindset; however, this education is not widely available to children facing economic hardship. This study examined whether participation in a program of orchestral music education was associated with higher levels of overall growth mindset and greater change in levels of musical growth mindset among children placed at risk by poverty. After at least 2 years of orchestral participation, students reported significantly higher levels of overall growth mindset than their peers; participating students also reported statistically significant increases in musical growth mindset regardless of the number of years that they were enrolled in orchestral music education. These findings have implications for future research into specific pedagogical practices that may promote growth mindset in the context of orchestral music education and more generally for future studies of the extra-musical benefits of high-quality music education.


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