The purpose of this study is to identify and elucidate the influence of coaching in teachers’ attitude and performance as perceived by inexperienced in coaching practice nursery school. The question that guided this study is ‘What is the impact of coaching in a Greek nursery school? This study focuses on three research questions:
• How do teachers evaluate the coaching experience?
• What are the benefits and the implementing of coaching?
• If and how teachers’ interaction with coaching changes their attitude?
My dissertation was influenced by my first degree in early childhood education, and my own professional background. One head teacher and five teachers provided the study evidence. The qualitative approach was used to collect and analyse the data. This research has been a follow-up to a descriptive, exploratory qualitative case study. The findings were based on several different research tools such as semi-structured interviews, reflective journals, criteria sheets, coaching sheets, and SWOT sheets. The examination of the data highlights 5 key issues: the leadership effects in the working environment and teachers’ performance; the coaching understanding concerns the degree in which respondents clarify the different aspects of coaching; the next category, on coaching difficulties, includes the perceived reasons for which coaching was ineffective; the coaching benefits introduces the positive contributions of the coaching process; and the final key point is the coaching influence in the teachers’ attitude. Based on these themes, the study presents a number of conclusions. It appears that the majority of respondents have a very positive concept in regard to coaching’s outcomes. The respondents became familiar with the coaching experience in a short period of time; thus the participants seem to believe that this approach is an effective way to develop the teachers’ internal commitment. To sum up, the findings support that coaching influences the participants’ attitude to a limited but significant degree.
Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH DATA
CHAPTER 5: ANALYSIS OF DATA
CHAPTER 6: DISCUSSION
CHAPTER 7: REFLECTIONS
Research Objectives & Key Themes
The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the influence of coaching as a leadership tool within a Greek nursery school, specifically examining how teachers perceive its impact on their professional attitudes, internal commitment, and teaching performance.
- Evaluating teacher perception of the coaching experience.
- Identifying the benefits and practical challenges of implementing coaching.
- Assessing shifts in teacher attitudes resulting from coaching interactions.
- Analyzing the relationship between leadership behavior and teacher performance.
Excerpt from the Book
Distinction between educational leadership and management
'There is no single all-embracing theory of educational management' (Bush, 2002, p.16). Although, there has been a plethora of empirical research, criticisms have been leveled about what represents and what is meant by leadership and managerial effectiveness (Conger, 1998). Management is the activity concerning the 'internal operation of educational institutions', the relationships of the institutions with their environment and setting, and with the 'governing bodies to which they are formally responsible' (Glatter, 1979, p.16). It has been suggested (Law & Glover, 2000) that managers need to be good at everything while leaders not as management is considered as something that fills in the gaps. Levicki (2001, p. 145) says that 'management brings order and consistency to key dimensions of an organization. Leadership, in contrast, is about coping with change'. Bell (1999) argues that the dichotomy between leadership and management is false because both activities are linked in all educational organizations. The failure or success of the first can lead to the failure or success of the second.
In the last two decades organizations have increasingly wanted to adopt a new leadership model based on empowerment instead of more traditional address format. Empowerment, as a means of motivating employees' performance, is gaining more and more attention (Beattie, 2002).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: Defines the scope of the study, the history and terminology of coaching, and outlines the research questions regarding its impact on a Greek nursery school.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW: Critically analyzes existing theories on leadership, management, and the evolution of coaching, highlighting its diverse applications and historical roots.
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Details the interpretative, qualitative approach and the justification for using a case study methodology to investigate coaching.
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH DATA: Describes the study's profile, including sampling strategies, research tools such as interviews and journals, and the administrative process of the study.
CHAPTER 5: ANALYSIS OF DATA: Presents the primary research findings, categorized by themes such as leadership effects, coaching difficulties, and perceived benefits.
CHAPTER 6: DISCUSSION: Contrasts the research findings with existing literature to explore the effectiveness of coaching as a tool for teacher development and school improvement.
CHAPTER 7: REFLECTIONS: Provides a concluding reflection on the personal and professional implications of the study and offers recommendations for future research.
Keywords
Coaching, Educational Leadership, Nursery School, Teacher Performance, Professional Development, Qualitative Research, Case Study, GROW Model, Leadership Strategy, School Management, Empowerment, Teacher Commitment, Educational Change, Greek Education, Reflective Practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this dissertation?
The dissertation investigates the acceptability and impact of coaching as a leadership approach within the context of a Greek nursery school, focusing on how teachers evaluate and respond to this method.
What are the primary themes addressed in the work?
The study centers on leadership effects, the coaching process and its challenges, the benefits of coaching for teacher professional development, and the overall influence of this practice on teacher attitude and school environment.
What is the main research objective?
The aim is to identify how coaching influences teachers' professional performance and personal beliefs, testing the hypothesis that coaching can replace or enhance existing, more traditional management models in Greek nursery schools.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a qualitative, interpretative approach, specifically a case study methodology, utilizing semi-structured interviews, reflective journals, coaching forms, and SWOT analyses to collect data.
What is discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body covers a critical literature review, the explanation of the chosen research methodology, a detailed analysis of the gathered data, and a discussion of these findings in relation to current leadership theories.
Which keywords characterize this study?
The study is characterized by terms such as coaching, educational leadership, teacher performance, qualitative research, professional development, and school management.
What is the significance of the GROW model in this study?
The GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will) is utilized as the primary framework for the coaching sessions, helping to structure the process and clarify individual goals for the participating teachers.
How does the author handle subjectivity in the research?
The author acknowledges their position as a participant observer and addresses potential bias by using an interview guide, clear research tools, and ensuring data is corroborated across multiple sources to maintain validity.
What conclusion is drawn about the impact of coaching in this setting?
The research concludes that coaching has a significant positive, albeit limited, impact on teachers' attitudes, fostering better communication, increased internal commitment, and empowerment.
What are the limitations of the current research?
The study notes the small sample size and the specific context of the nursery school, suggesting that future research should involve larger groups and broader populations to further validate these findings.
- Citar trabajo
- Eirini Diamantopoulou (Autor), 2008, The impact of coaching in a Greek nursery school, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/284431
