POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN TEACHING

2/2024

HPGD2203

EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT

MATRICULATION NO : CGS03243042
IDENTITY CARD NO. :
TELEPHONE NO. : 0173673642
E-MAIL : [email protected]
LEARNING CENTRE : OUM KOTA BHARU
Contents
PART I (QUESTION 1) ..................................................................................................... 1

Profile of Key Informant ..................................................................................................... 1

Strategies Used To Maintain A Positive School Climate ................................................... 1

Strategies Used To Improve An Adverse School Climate.................................................. 6

Key Findings ....................................................................................................................... 8

Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 10

PART I (QUESTION 2) ................................................................................................... 11

Reflection .......................................................................................................................... 11

Examples and Evidence .................................................................................................... 12

Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 14

PART II (ONLINE CLASS PARTICIPATION) ............................................................. 15

REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 17
PART I (QUESTION 1)

Profile of Key Informant

The informant is a headmaster in one of the school in Kota Bharu. He was born on

18 July 1969 and started to be a teacher in 1994 at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Wangi and

now he became a headmaster at one of the primary school in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The

education background started as he attended early education in Sekolah Kebangsaan

Banggu and continues his education for secondary school in Sekolah Menengah

Kebangsaan Kamil. Then, he further his study for degree at Open University Malaysia

Kota Bharu and taking Bachelor Degree in Education. He has been a teacher for 29 years

and during that period, he experienced a lot in teaching and education field. His wife is

also a teacher at one the school in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. He has been a headmaster for

three years starting on 2021 until now.

Strategies Used To Maintain A Positive School Climate

Establishing and maintaining a favourable school culture and climate is essential for

cultivating an atmosphere in which children can excel intellectually, socially, and

emotionally (Starkey, 2023). An unambiguous and mutually agreed upon goal serves as

the fundamental basis for fostering a constructive school culture. Educational leaders

should engage in collaborative efforts with staff, students, and parents to build a

collective vision that aligns with the values, aims, and aspirations of the school

community. According to Starkey (2023), by engaging all parties involved in the

procedure, leaders establish a feeling of possession and dedication, promoting a

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favourable culture founded on shared principles and mutual goals. As a school leader,

there are a few strategies that informant used to maintain a positive school climate.

ʽBagi saya, perancangan yang berkesan sangat penting untuk

mengekalkan iklim sekolah yang positif. Pada mulanya, kami

akan menetapkan objektif yang jelas untuk hasil yang kami ingin

capai. Contohnya, objektif kami mungkin berkaitan dengan

meningkatkan penglibatan pelajar seperti ingin mereka hadir ke

sekolah secara berterusan. Jadi, kami akan membuat

perancangan dan menyusun strategi untuk memperkenalkan

peluang pembelajaran pengalaman tambahan atau

memperbanyak aktiviti kokurikulum untuk mereka.ʼ

A positive school climate is crucial for success, enhancing attendance, academic

performance, student retention, and graduation rates. School leaders must understand the

expectations, policies, and regulations of teacher preparation institutions, communicate

this information to cooperating teachers, encourage participation, assist in placements,

oversee field experience, maintain regular communication, offer advice, and provide

ongoing professional development opportunities.

ʽ...untuk memastikan perancangan berjalan dengan lancar, kami

akan pastikan segala aktiviti untuk sesi persekolahan depan sudah

settle sepenuhnya pada hujung tahun sesi persekolahan

sebelumnya, dimana saya dan pk yang lain akan bekerjasama

menyiapkan takwim sekolah supaya segala program dapat

dilaksanakan tanpa ada yang tercicir...,ʼ

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The aim is to create an annual timetable for co-curricular and curriculum events,

including extracurricular activities. The informant organizes events well in advance, and

top administrators collaborate to develop a comprehensive plan. Program locations are

selected within the school complex or rural areas. The timetables serve as a reference for

teachers to prepare for impending events, ensuring a smooth start to the school year.

ʽ...selain itu, saya jugak akan pastikan semua staf menjalankan

tugas mereka dengan baik dan faham apa objektif yang kita nak

capai dari semua program yang kita telah rancang. Jadi, bila

semua faham apa kita punya objektif, visi dan misi sekolah juga

akan tercapai. Di sini, saya akan pastikan semua guru dan

kakitangan menjalankan tugas yang telah dibahagikan mengikut

organisasi yang sesuai laa...,ʼ

Here, the informant emphasized on the vision and mission of the school. The vision and

mission of a school are strong statements or declarations of its values, purpose, and

future. According to Varthana (2023), vision and mission are the core values, objectives,

and aims through which a school walks on the trajectory of success. Just like the saying

goes, "Without vision and mission, people perish," the same principle applies to schools.

An effectively formulated, conveyed, and incorporated vision and mission statement can

assist in aligning and concentrating a school. The informant also recognised the

competence of his staff and assigned them based on theirmorganization. The lead

instructor has autonomous power to propose the framework and choose committee

members who would aid in the successful implementation of the programme.

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Another strategy that has been implemented by the informant is emphasized a leadership

communication. From the interview that has been done, in can be conclude that the

informant has the leadership traits.

ʽ...salah satu strategi utama yang saya gunakan ialah dari segi

komunikasi. Saya akan pastikan wujudnya komunikasi antara

semua pihak termasuk pelajar, staf, ibu bapa dan masyarakat...,ʼ

According to Valamis (2023), leadership communication is a method of communication

mostly employed by leaders to convey information regarding the organization's culture,

fundamental principles, mission, and vital messages in order to establish trust and

motivate employees. Practically, it entails conveying a collective vision and motivating

people to embrace and support that goal. The text outlines the fundamental principles that

the company upholds and demonstrates how the organisation is fulfilling that

commitment. Effective communication enables leaders to successfully guide their

organisation through many forms of transitions, regardless of their magnitude. Leadership

communication fosters trust inside the organisation, cultivating strong relationships

between leaders and employees, as well as between employees and the organisation as a

whole.

ʽ...saya percaya untuk memimpin melalui teladan. Saya berusaha

untuk mencontohi tingkah laku dan sikap yang saya nak lihat

dalam komuniti di sekolah. Saya berusaha untuk menunjukkan

rasa hormat, empati dan adil dalam semua interaksi saya. Bila

saya buat macam tu, saya harap dapat bagi inspirasi kepada

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 orang lain jugak untuk ikut dan mewujudkan suasana yang

positif..,ʼ

From the statement above, the informant emphasized that leader possess significant

authority to make choices in order to accomplish school objectives. As a leader, the

informant need to shows a good example to staff and students so that by doing so,

positive outcomes can be strive to facilitate from these disagreements, ultimately

maintaining a harmonious environment.

ʽ..saya bagi contoh situasi paling penting ialah bilamana kita

perlu adakan penyelesaian konflik. Ini dimana pelajar dan

kakitangan berasa diberi kuasa untuk menyuarakan

kebimbangan mereka dan menyediakan ruang yang selamat, di

mana semua orang boleh meluahkan fikiran dan perasaan tanpa

rasa takut untuk dihakimi. Dalam waktu tu, saya akan nilai dari

jauh laa macam mana mereka selesaikan masalah. Matlamat

untuk menangani dan menyelesaikan konflik dengan cara yang

cepat dan saksama...,ʼ

From the statement above, the informant serves as a role model for the entire

administration, teachers, and students, demonstrating effective leadership. The

informant's comment demonstrates their conscientiousness in carrying out their

responsibilities. He periodically demonstrates concern for monitoring the problem.

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Strategies Used To Improve An Adverse School Climate

The presence of an adverse school environment is strongly associated with various

detrimental consequences for kids and has been proven to worsen harmful conduct and

reduce academic performance. Failing to intentionally address matters with school

atmosphere may lead to missed chances for student achievement and enhanced welfare.

ʽ...Waktu awal-awal saya jadi guru besar, perkara pertama yang

saya dapat tahu dan perlu ditangani ialah murid di sekolah ini

ramai yang merokok, terutama di kalangan tahun 6...,ʼ

Smoking among primary school students need to be addressed as soon as possible. As the

informant said, youngsters in primary school also have learned to smoke where it is very

dangerous and will affect their learning.

ʽ...saya, pihak pentadbiran dan juga PIBG telah berbincang

berkenaan hal ini dimana kami mengadakan program antirokok

melalui pendidikan dan pencegahan. Sebelum ini, saya telahpun

menjemput beberapa agensi untuk datang ke sekolah memberi

pendedahan tentang bahaya rokok. Ibu bapa juga mengambil

bahagian dalam program ini...,ʼ

The act of smoking among adolescents and young adults can result in immediate and

long-term health complications that have the potential to be life-threatening. The program

that have been implemented by the informant will help prevets students from smoking.

Besides, the participation of parents and the community is essential. School authorities

must ensure that parents are fully informed about the situation and the measures being

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implemented to resolve it. It is essential to engage in collaboration with local health

organisations in order to carry out workshops and awareness programmes.

Addressing bullying in schools is crucial for creating a positive school climate. Bullying

is a significant issue among children and teenagers in schools. It has both immediate and

long-lasting consequences for the person being tormented, the person doing the bullying,

those who are both victims and bullies, and even for those who witness the bullying

(National Library of Medicine, 2016).

ʽ...untuk masalah buli di sekolah ni, saya selalu ingatkan kepada

murid tentang consequences buli tu sendiri kepada mereka.

Setiap kali perhimpunan, saya akan ingatkan untuk tidak terlibat

dengan gejala buli dan sentiasa mengingatkan apa yang mereka

akan dapat kalau membuli rakan. Untuk masalah ini, saya juga

melibatkan ibu bapa seperti di dalam mesyuarat PIBG supaya

ibu bapa tahu akan ada campur tangan pihak polis ...ʼ

The informant highlighted that bullying in school will involving the police to settle the

issues. This is enhanced safety and security. Having police officers at schools can

enhance the overall perception of safety and security for children, staff, and parents. This

can serve as a deterrent to bullying behaviour and other types of wrongdoing.

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Key Findings

Creating and sustaining a positive school culture and climate is crucial for fostering

an environment in which children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Various strategies have been implemented based on the qualitative analysis of the

interview with the principal to uphold a favourable atmosphere in the school. The process

commences with a distinct and mutually understood vision that is in harmony with the

values, objectives, and ambitions of the school community. The collective vision is built

via collaborative activities that involve staff, students, and parents. This fosters a positive

culture that is based on shared beliefs and goals. Efficient planning is essential for

sustaining a favourable school atmosphere, which involves establishing explicit goals and

developing complete schedules for both academic and extracurricular activities.

According to Thessin (2021), extensive research indicates that the principle plays a

crucial role in enhancing student learning. Specifically, the principal's involvement in

school-based professional learning communities is a significant aspect of this function.

Furthermore, creating a distinct and mutually agreed upon vision within the school

community is crucial for cultivating a positive school culture. This entails actively

involving all parties with an interest in the school, such as employees, students, and

parents, in joint endeavours to create a shared vision that is in harmony with the values

and goals of the school community. Through this action, leaders foster a feeling of

possession and commitment, cultivating a positive environment rooted in common values

and collective objectives. The school's vision and objectives are crucial for maintaining a

positive atmosphere. A well-crafted statement synchronizes the community and focuses

on common goals.

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 The informant emphasizes the importance of effective communication among all

stakeholders, including students, staff, parents, and the community. Leadership

communication is a strategic approach used by leaders to convey information about the

organization's culture, principles, mission, and critical messages, aiming to build trust and

inspire people. It empowers leaders to navigate changes and cultivate strong relationships

within the organization. The informant also emphasizes the need for setting a good

example, demonstrating respect, empathy, and fairness in the school community. They

acknowledge their role as a leader and the importance of making decisions aligned with

the school's goals. They also highlight the significance of dispute resolution in

maintaining a positive school atmosphere. They establish a secure environment for open

communication and resolution of conflicts, demonstrating their dedication to effective

leadership and meticulousness in fulfilling their duties.

The important findings underscore the significance of tackling smoking and

bullying in schools to sustain a favourable school climate. The prevalence of smoking

among primary school pupils is a worrisome matter that requires immediate attention.

The repercussions of this can be both immediate and long-lasting, affecting the health of

pupils and having a detrimental effect on their ability to learn and their entire state of

well-being. The informant has executed an anti-smoking initiative by means of education

and prevention, engaging several entities to disseminate knowledge regarding the hazards

associated with smoking. The involvement of parents and the community is vital in

establishing a conducive atmosphere.

Addressing bullying is essential for fostering a positive school climate. Bullying

has profound repercussions for all individuals involved, encompassing the victims, the

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perpetrators themselves, and even onlookers. The informant highlights the significance of

educating students about the repercussions of bullying and consistently urging them to

abstain from participating in such conduct. Besides, the severity of this matter,

particularly in terms of causing physical harm to kids, necessitates the imposition of

severe penalties. Engaging parents in addressing bullying and working together with law

enforcement can bolster safety and security in schools, serving as a deterrent to bullying

and other forms of wrongdoing.

Conclusion

Maintaining a positive school atmosphere is crucial for students to excel

intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Techniques include cooperative efforts, efficient

strategizing, a clear vision and mission, effective leadership communication, and

addressing issues like smoking and bullying. Leaders should involve all stakeholders,

including staff, students, parents, and the community, who share common values and

goals. Efficient communication and behavior are essential for maintaining a harmonious

environment. Addressing issues like smoking and bullying requires comprehensive

methods, education, prevention programs, coordination with organizations, and active

parental and community participation.

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PART I (QUESTION 2)

Reflection

A management style or leadership style refers to a specific approach to managing

individuals or teams and accomplishing organisational goals (Ercanbrack, 2023). These

styles cover the behaviours, attitudes, and decision-making processes that managers use

in their daily operations. There exist diverse management styles, each possessing distinct

characteristics and consequences for work organisation, decision-making, and employee

motivation.

Based on the interview, I identified that the management styles implemented by the

informant is instructional leadership. An instructional leader actively engages in the

planning and execution of change, while also promoting collaboration and teamwork

(Abdul Wahab Abdul Ghani and Ling, T. L., 2021). The informant is a leader with high

responsibility in school administration, focusing on collaboration between administrators

and teachers. They have set clear objectives to ensure successful implementation of pre-

established plans. An optimistic school atmosphere can boost job contentment, as high

teacher satisfaction leads to improved student learning performance. Collaboration fosters

a favorable work environment, resulting in increased job satisfaction. A pleasant

emotional state after completing tasks is crucial for job satisfaction. Hence, instructional

leadership is the most efficient form of leadership practice for enhancing student learning

outcomes (The Education Hub,2021). For the instructional leadership management style,

the informant has planned a whole year event and activities with the management before

the new school session starts. The goal is to generate a comprehensive year timetable

regarding co-curricular and curricular activities. Both timetables include extracurricular

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activities and require more detailed planning that is necessary from time to time after the

school term starts. As a result, everyone will know the while year activities and it can be

ensure that all the activities will be held according to the school calendar without

dropping out.

Another management styles implemented by the informant is charismatic

leadership. A charismatic leader's charm, self-assurance, and enthusiasm captivate

individuals, significantly impacting the team's outcome and influencing the overall

performance of the organization (Ercanbrack, 2023). This approach is distinguished by

the principal's charm and aptitude to motivate and sway others. The informant possesses

a commanding presence and has the ability to foster a great school atmosphere through

their unwavering excitement and energy. The informant shows the characteristics of a

good leader to everyone in the school and become a role model to them.

Examples and Evidence

According to Daily et. al. (2020), from a social ecological standpoint, school

environment serves as an optimal foundation for considering strategies to enhance

student attendance and academic performance. School happiness is a key aspect of school

climate that may have a significant impact on student attendance. School satisfaction

refers to the subjective evaluation of students regarding their overall contentment or level

of "happiness" with their school experience, as well as their degree of connection to the

school. Thus, a favourable view of school atmosphere might decrease school absenteeism

and enhance academic performance. A positive school climate and high satisfaction with

school decrease the probability of absences and enhance academic performance. School

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can make efficient measures to avoid absences generally necessitate significant resources

and coordination, such as employing specialised full-time workers. While it is crucial to

prioritise such programmes, enhancing the overall school environment and ensuring

student contentment with their educational institution could potentially enhance student

performance without requiring significant financial resources. For instance, by utilising

school-based social supports like fostering strong teacher-student interactions, schools

can enhance their overall school wellbeing and academic performance (Daily et. al.,

2020). Daily et. al also stated that, discover the methods to educate children in a way that

improves their view of the importance, sense of accomplishment, and pleasure in learning

could potentially lead to higher levels of student satisfaction with school.

According to Ucan (2020), instructional leadership is a concept that aims to achieve

excellence and fairness in education. It involves creating and promoting a clear vision,

allocating resources effectively, communicating progress, and supporting the

implementation of programmes, services, and activities that align with the school's

vision. Ucan also stated that instructional leadership as the primary role of leaders to

improve measurable student outcomes by emphasising the enhancement of classroom

teaching and learning. Besides, teacher collaboration is a crucial feature in schools

because it is one of the aspects that school leaders have significant control over.

Moreover, it has a direct correlation with student performance. Schools are complex

institutions, requiring teacher collaboration on various topics such as discipline, social-

emotional development, special education, English language learners, extracurricular

activities, instructional concerns, assessment, and parent involvement. Collaboration can

occur sporadically or multiple years, and can be within or restricted to specific groups

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like grade teams, professional learning communities, ad-hoc committees, and

interdisciplinary teams. The organizational structure can be horizontal or vertical.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of instructional and charismatic leadership in

fostering a positive educational environment. Instructional leadership emphasizes

strategic planning, teamwork, and setting targets for successful school programs.

Charismatic leadership, characterized by charm and inspiration, significantly influences

the school's success. When implemented correctly, these leadership styles can boost work

fulfillment and student academic performance. Therefore, school leaders must

demonstrate these attributes to create a supportive and cooperative environment.

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PART II (ONLINE CLASS PARTICIPATION)

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REFERENCES

Starkey, J. (2023). Effective strategies for building and sustaining a positive school

culture and climate. Academy of Educational Leadership Journal, 27(S2), 1-3.

Varthana (2023). School Vision and Mission: Why is it important? Retrieved from

https://varthana.com/school/school-vision-and-mission-why-is-it-important/

Thessin, R. A. (2021). THE PRINCIPAL’S ROLE IN PLANNING ESSENTIAL

SUPPORTS FOR SCHOOL-BASED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

COMMUNITIES. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1301950.pdf

National Library of Medicine (2016). Preventing Bullying Through Science, Policy, and

Practice. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK390414/

Ercanbrack, M. (2023). 7 Types of Management Styles for Great Leadership. Retrieved

from https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/learn-management-style

Dr Abdul Wahab Abdul Ghani and Ling, T. L. (2021). Educational Management. Open

University Malaysia.

Daily, et. al. (2020). Using School Climate to Improve Attendance and Grades:

Understanding the Importance of School Satisfaction Among Middle and High

School Students. Retrieved from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8385678/

Ucan, F. (2020). Instructional Leadership, School Climate, and Teacher Collaboration:

Antecedents of Instructional Support. Retrieved from

https://etd.ohiolink.edu/acprod/odb_etd/ws/send_file/send?accession=osu1598018

352102509&disposition=inline

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