Lee, Yoonjeong (2017) Motivation, preparation, and practice new head teachers in Seoul, the Republic of Korea : a qualitative study of secondary school leadership. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This study is an interpretive study of the perspectives of first-year head teachers in secondary education in Seoul, the Republic of Korea. Education in Korea has been highlighted in education scholarship because of its teaching quality and its high standing in the PISA tables. On the other hand, it has been criticised for low levels of student satisfaction and high levels of stress. Many countries are trying to use the Korean model, so gaining insight into headship is timely and useful for the research community. The research questions concern: the motivation to become a head teacher; preparation for the head teacher’s role; and the practice of being a new head teacher. To address these questions a largely qualitative study was undertaken using interviews (n=33) and shadowing (n=20) of new head teachers. Key findings include: First, both male and female head teachers’ main motivation was described as '‘to make their educational philosophy come true’. This was seen as a realistic aspiration as they saw the role as having a high status and as influential in their school. Second, it was found that head teachers felt well-prepared for their role and, with varying degrees of confidence, believed they could carry out the role of head successfully. This was because they had succeeded in getting through a competitive selection process, had gained relevant experiences in management team roles, and many had experienced working in the Office of Education as an officer and policy maker. They felt confident of understanding the Ministry of Education and the Office of Education policy goals, and felt they could influence education policy.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1603 Secondary Education. High schools
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	School principals -- Attitudes -- Korea (South), High schools -- Management -- Korea (South)
Official Date:	November 2017
Dates:	Date Event November 2017 UNSPECIFIED
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Centre for Education Studies
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Hammond, Michael, 1956-
Extent:	xxii, 473 leaves : illustrations, charts
Language:	eng

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