The Role of Learning Management in Optimizing Educational and Psychological Processes: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis Study in Kerman County Public Education

Subject Areas : Educational Management

Najmeh Hamzehnejadi ¹ , Maniya Hashemipour Afshar ²

1 - Department of Psychology and Educational Science, Baf.C., Islamic Azad University, Baft, Iran
2 - Department of Psychology, Ke.C., Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran

Received: 2025-12-17 Accepted : 2025-12-19 Published : 2025-12-21

Keywords: Learning management, Educational processes, Psychological processes, Thematic analysis, Qualitative research, School culture,

Abstract :

Introduction: In recent years, learning management has been increasingly recognized as a strategic approach to enhancing educational and psychological processes within educational systems. However, understanding how learning management operates in real educational contexts requires in-depth and context-sensitive inquiry. The aim of this study was to explore the role of learning management in optimizing educational and psychological processes in the Department of Education of Kerman County from the perspectives of educational stakeholders.

Methodology: This study adopted a qualitative approach using an exploratory–interpretive design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 educational actors, including school principals, teachers, and educational experts, selected through criterion-based purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis based on the six-phase framework proposed by Braun and Clarke. Inter-coder reliability was ensured using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient, which yielded a value of 0.82.

Findings: The findings resulted in the identification of three main themes and nine sub-themes. The main themes included “Meaningful leadership of the learning process,” “Psychological regulation of learning within managerial contexts,” and “Synergy between learning management and school culture.” These themes illustrate that learning management contributes to the optimization of educational and psychological processes by fostering coherence in instructional decisions, supporting cognitive and emotional self-regulation, and strengthening professional interactions within schools.

Conclusion: The results indicate that learning management extends beyond an administrative function and serves as a strategic framework for guiding learning and supporting the psychological dimensions of educational practice. Emphasizing the human, psychological, and cultural dimensions of learning management can promote sustainable educational improvement within school systems.

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