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A study of the processes that enable a school to be a learning organisation
Author
Yong, David Heng Sai
Supervisor
Low, Guat Tin
Abstract
This is my study of how the school leaders of Ocean Primary School (OPS), a neighbourhood government primary school, put in place pertinent processes so that their school can be a learning organization. These processes involved provided opportunities for leading, learning and changing in the school.
I used a case study approach in which information for the study was gathered mainly through interviews with the Principal, the Vice-Principal and four Heads of Department (HODs).
I looked specifically in three areas in which school leaders contributed to making the school a learning organization, namely, the school environment, the necessary ingredients of leadership that facilitated a learning culture, and how leaders learn as individuals.
In terms of an ideal learning environment, I found the three R's i.e., Relationships, Respect and Recognition, to be very important. In terms of the appropriate ingredients for leadership that facilitated learning, I found the four P's and they were:
● effective leaders live up to a personal Philosophy that is upright and nurturing;
● leaders home in on the Potential of the persons around them and provide opportunities for them to capitalize on their strengths;
● leaders perfect their Practice through their words and their deeds; and
● leaders equip themselves and others for peak Performance.
I also found that leaders learn by being themselves, especially in three ways which I termed the three UP's -linking up, listening up and loosening up. Through these three ways, leaders break down the walls of hierarchy between superiors and subordinates. In a learning organisation, leaders let down their hair and their guard. They are more relaxed. They know how to have fun and learn to lead through the use of stories and songs.
I used a case study approach in which information for the study was gathered mainly through interviews with the Principal, the Vice-Principal and four Heads of Department (HODs).
I looked specifically in three areas in which school leaders contributed to making the school a learning organization, namely, the school environment, the necessary ingredients of leadership that facilitated a learning culture, and how leaders learn as individuals.
In terms of an ideal learning environment, I found the three R's i.e., Relationships, Respect and Recognition, to be very important. In terms of the appropriate ingredients for leadership that facilitated learning, I found the four P's and they were:
● effective leaders live up to a personal Philosophy that is upright and nurturing;
● leaders home in on the Potential of the persons around them and provide opportunities for them to capitalize on their strengths;
● leaders perfect their Practice through their words and their deeds; and
● leaders equip themselves and others for peak Performance.
I also found that leaders learn by being themselves, especially in three ways which I termed the three UP's -linking up, listening up and loosening up. Through these three ways, leaders break down the walls of hierarchy between superiors and subordinates. In a learning organisation, leaders let down their hair and their guard. They are more relaxed. They know how to have fun and learn to lead through the use of stories and songs.
Date Issued
2004
Call Number
LB2806 Yon
Date Submitted
2004