Thesis-1996-Lever.pdf (20.79 MB)
A year in the life of the primary head teacher
thesis
posted on 2010-11-18, 10:59 authored by Derek LeverThis study was conducted to establish patterns of Primary Head Teacher
behaviour over a complete school year, including weekends and
holidays. Certain aspects of the role of the Primary Headteacher were
also investigated. Two Head Teachers kept diaries, recording daily the
nature of activities being undertaken and the length and frequency of
them. A group of 25 Head Teachers also participated by completing
diaries for periods of 2 weeks each - at different times of the year.
The diaries were analysed by classifying recorded activities against
category criteria, which had been agreed and devised with the Head
Teachers prior to the commencement of the project.
The evidence, once interpreted and collated, was brought to the attention
of the two principal respondents one year after their diaries had been
completed to assess their response and seek their views. This was
repeated after a further period of twelve months had elapsed.
The study shows that Primary Head Teachers' behaviour is characterised
by long hours spent on multifarious tasks and activities of varying
importance, with frequent interruptions and often brief duration. One of
the main diary keepers was an experienced Head Teacher, the other was
beginning her first Headship, whilst the remaining Head Teachers had a
range of experience. The total amounts of time devoted to school-related
issues, the range of activities being undertaken and the frequency of
activity change were remarkably similar for all Head Teachers. Head
Teachers bring experience, knowledge, skills, beliefs, attitudes and
values to their schools and attempt to recreate these in the hearts and
minds of those associated with their schools.
History
School
- Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Publisher
© Lever D.Publication date
1996Notes
Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.EThOS Persistent ID
uk.bl.ethos.321244Language
- en