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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2001

Christopher G. Bezzina

Presents some of the developments that are being undertaken in Malta to address the managerial development of headteachers, and attempts to place this development within the…

940

Abstract

Presents some of the developments that are being undertaken in Malta to address the managerial development of headteachers, and attempts to place this development within the context of educational reforms currently taking place. Analyses the developments in policy, research, theory and practice in school management training in Malta.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1991

Christopher Bezzina

Restructuring schools as a means to qualityimprovement in education is one of the majorchallenges facing education in Malta. This articlecalls for a critique of school…

Abstract

Restructuring schools as a means to quality improvement in education is one of the major challenges facing education in Malta. This article calls for a critique of school policy‐making and planning processes. Attention is directed towards school‐based development with focus on the school as the unit of change. School development is described as a process by which a school develops the capacity for reflective action. It is a planned, continuing effort, with personnel committed to a search for increasing school effectiveness and expresses a commitment towards professional growth. The article stresses the need for policy and decision makers to fundamentally rethink the way schools function at present by shifting attention towards establishing a professionally oriented structure which gives educators at school level more responsibility, accountability and professionalism.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2006

Christopher Bezzina

The school environment in the islands of Malta is experiencing important changes that need to be critically addressed if school improvement and, more importantly, student learning…

797

Abstract

Purpose

The school environment in the islands of Malta is experiencing important changes that need to be critically addressed if school improvement and, more importantly, student learning is going to be enhanced. This paper aims to present the education authorities with an introductory review which aims to contextualise the potential networking of schools within the nurturing of inclusive learning communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper argues that unless the principles of hope, faith, commitment, individual and collective worth are nurtured, networks will not on their own work to bring about desired change.

Findings

Whilst a networking reform process has been introduced no review has yet been undertaken in Malta to understand the implications, both positive and negative, that such a reform brings with it.

Practical implications

Implications for policy and practice include a thorough understanding of the six components behind the inclusive learning community, the various benefits, tensions and concerns that networks and networking bring with them.

Originality/value

This paper presents an introductory review and contextualises the network reform policy within the principles of the learning community.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1997

Christopher Bezzina

Examines a process of how schools and their members can develop the capacity to reflect on the nature and purpose of their work together. The focus is on school‐site management…

603

Abstract

Examines a process of how schools and their members can develop the capacity to reflect on the nature and purpose of their work together. The focus is on school‐site management practices as the way forward to improve the quality of education being provided. Argues that for schools to function better, a professional culture which offers choice, authority and responsibility through more decision‐making powers and a participative structure at school level needs to be nurtured. Proposes that a combination of top‐down and bottom‐up strategies to improvement needs to be encouraged as against purely a top‐down or bottom‐up approach. Also proposes a framework for professional development at school‐site level.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 11 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2000

Christopher Bezzina

Educational leadership in Malta is currently undergoing a radical transformation at both systems and school level. The Maltese education authorities are delegating a number of…

1228

Abstract

Educational leadership in Malta is currently undergoing a radical transformation at both systems and school level. The Maltese education authorities are delegating a number of responsibilities to the school site. Argues that whilst creating the self‐managing school is the way forward to improve the quality of education there is doubt as to what leadership model, if any, central authorities are trying to institutionalise at both systems and school level. It is argued that central authorities need to project a clear vision which will help schools establish a professional culture which offers choice, opportunity, authority and responsibility. Whilst the changes that await us call for both adaptive and technical challenges, a claim is made for a focus on the human side of management. Highlights the importance of principle‐centred leadership, a leadership which finds its source in the intellect, heart, mind and souls of individuals and one which is sustained through meaningful relationships. Leaders need to be given opportunities to develop as persons with special focus on areas such as learning, values, creativity and collegiality.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 14 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1993

Christopher Bezzina

Starts off by looking into the changing context of education andits demands on schools. Argues that for schools to function better, aprofessional culture which offers choice…

Abstract

Starts off by looking into the changing context of education and its demands on schools. Argues that for schools to function better, a professional culture which offers choice, authority and responsibility through more decision‐making powers and a participative structure at school level needs to be encouraged. Presents, in the concluding section, a decision‐making approach giving the basic prerequisites, the processes, the actions and the basic characteristics for such a renewal at both a national and school level.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 7 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1994

Christopher Bezzina

Discusses civil service reforms in Malta, and the part that humanresource management plays in such reforms. Makes the point that, ifMalta wishes to meet the challenges of the…

1220

Abstract

Discusses civil service reforms in Malta, and the part that human resource management plays in such reforms. Makes the point that, if Malta wishes to meet the challenges of the twenty‐first century, and more specifically the European Community, it is imperative that it designs and implements public sector personnel management systems that reflect an appreciation of, and genuine commitment to, the value of humanism in the workplace.

Details

Management Development Review, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0962-2519

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2004

Christopher Bezzina

As demand for school reform have grown in Malta in recent years we have noticed increased focus being given to quality issues. As a result the education authorities, due to two…

1027

Abstract

As demand for school reform have grown in Malta in recent years we have noticed increased focus being given to quality issues. As a result the education authorities, due to two main policy initiatives – the introduction of the National Minimum curriculum and school development planning – are encouraging a decentralised form of governance that emphasises the empowerment of teachers in educational decision‐making. The road towards increased collaboration amongst teachers and between schools in which they work, has been a long, arduous and tortuous journey, yet it can also be a vehicle for positive change and development. This paper explores a theoretical rationale for a teacher led approach to school improvement. It then explores the initial collaboration between the author and one local school. It presents the main findings of a strategic analysis undertaken to understand the current situation facing the school. This case study helps to highlight the importance and positive effects behind capacity building and shared leadership. It is argued that this case study can serve as an example to establish higher education and school partnerships and the introduction of a school‐based accreditation scheme.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 18 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2002

Barrie O. Pettman and Richard Dobbins

This issue is a selected bibliography covering the subject of leadership.

26512

Abstract

This issue is a selected bibliography covering the subject of leadership.

Details

Equal Opportunities International, vol. 21 no. 4/5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0261-0159

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2024

Chris Brown, Ruth Luzmore, Richard O’Donovan, Grace Ji and Susmita Patnaik

Educators need to engage in continuous learning to ensure that their knowledge and practice responds to the changing needs of society and students. Collaborative approaches, in…

Abstract

Purpose

Educators need to engage in continuous learning to ensure that their knowledge and practice responds to the changing needs of society and students. Collaborative approaches, in which social capital resource is exchanged, can serve as an effective way of facilitating such learning. With this systematic review, the authors identify the opportunities and benefits inter-school social capital networks might bring by exploring: (1) what inter-school networks are available internationally for primary and secondary schools, (2) the features and activities present within inter-school networks and (3) evidence of impact of inter-school network activities.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, the authors employed a systematic review methodology. The review comprised the five stages of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: PRISMA, 2021) protocol. The study findings derived from 111 research outputs (from a total of 1,221 originally identified).

Findings

The review highlights a number of different inter-school networks and their diverse purposes as well as key network features, such as the actors present in networks and the activities network participants engage with. At the same time, however, the authors only identify limited reliable evidence of the impact of inter-school networks.

Originality/value

The study fills a knowledge gap by exploring, for the first time, the presence, features of inter-school social capital networks available to school leaders as well as investigating the impact of these networks.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

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