Characteristics of successful schools in the future from the experts’ point of view
Yousef Namvar
1
(
Associate professor, Department of education sciences, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran.
)
Barat Salimi
2
(
Ph.D. candidate in educational management, department of education sciences, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran.
)
Azam Rastgoo
3
(
Assistant professor, Department of education sciences, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran.
)
Toran Soleimani
4
(
Department of Educational Sciences, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran
)
Keywords: professional competencies, elements of curriculum, educational leadership, successful schools,
Abstract :
The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of successful schools in the future. To this end, grounded theory methodology, which is a type of qualitative research method, was employed. First, 20 academic experts in the area of education were selected via purposive sampling method so as to achieve theoretical saturation. Then semi-structured interview was used to collect data. Data analysis was performed following the three-step systematic coding (open coding, axial coding, and selective coding). Finally, the desirable characteristics of future schools from the experts’ viewpoints in terms of curriculum, technology, teachers, managers, and the existing limitations were identified and classified in 6 structural categories of the grounded theory (that is, causal conditions, intervenient conditions, phenomenon, context, strategies of action/interaction, and consequences). The results of data obtained from the experts demonstrated the necessity of having a continuous revision program to revise the elements of curriculum (objectives, contents, instructions, grouping, timing, etc.) in accordance with the requirements of new developments. Experts also believed that developing metacognitive skills, technological competencies, cooperative teaching skills, facilitative skills, etc. were important factors for the success of teachers. Moreover, they pointed out that acquiring competencies and capabilities needed for educational leadership by the educational managers and keeping up with the changes and developments would provide a better and brighter future for the stakeholders of the education system.