School inspection is one of the most challenging aspects in education; it represents an approach of accountability in teaching and learning. Moreover, school inspection provides policy and decision makers with accurate information about the current state of education in their respective institutions.
The main purpose of this study is to examine and determine the impact of school inspection on teaching and learning in Dubai-based private schools, and to give some recommendations into how to conduct effective school inspection that would positively influence teaching and learning.
This research included 37 participants; 2 inspectors, 4 head-teachers and 31 teachers, from 4 private schools, who follow different types of curricula, from all grades of performance according to inspection reports conducted in the 2014/2015 academic year.
The findings show that school inspection has a significant role in school improvement, especially in teaching and learning. Teachers acknowledge the feedback that inspectors give to them. However, school inspection also has a negative impact on teaching and learning; for instance, it forces some schools to show activities they have never done before. Moreover, the school inspection reports and recommendations, in some cases, are superficial and are not related to the school context; moreover, they often do not show teachers how they can respond to criticism in the reality of their teaching practice. Nevertheless, the relationship between inspectors and teachers is not that positive, especially in some subjects, such as Arabic language and Islamic Studies.
This piece of research suggests some areas for the betterment in school inspection, such as giving more importance for SSE School-Self evaluations, shortening the notice period, visiting schools at different times throughout the academic year, making such visits every three years, as well as ensuring that school inspectors have a high degree in education and in the subject they inspect. Nevertheless, it recommends establishing an independent school inspection system. On the other hand, this study suggests further research on the accountability of teaching and learning in Dubai in specific subjects, such as Arabic and Islamic studies, because reality shows that the recent intervention and policy have not been as fruitful as expected
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Introduction
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to School Inspection
1.2 Why do we need school inspection?
1.3 Previous studies on the impact of school inspection
1.4 The Education System in the UAE
1.5 Purpose of the Study
1.6 Objectives of the Study
1.7 Research Questions
1.8 Significance, Scope and Structure of the Study
Chapter Two: Literature Review
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Accountability in education and Underlying Theories of School Inspection
2.1.1 Scientific Management theory
2.1.2 Human Relations Theory
2.1.3 Critical Theory
2.2 Forms of Accountability in Education
2.2.1 The Market Choice
2.2.2 School Voucher System
2.2.3 Decentralisation of Education
2.3 School Inspection in Other Countries
2.3.1 England and Wales
2.3.2 Finland
2.3.3 Sweden
2.4 School Inspection Conceptual Framework for this study
2.4.1 The System Thinking Approach
2.4.2 School Inspection Supporting Inputs
2.5 The Importance of School Inspection in Dubai
2.6 School Inspection in General
2.7 School Inspection Roles and Functions
2.8 The Main Features of School Inspection
2.9 School Inspection Processes and Observations
2.10 School Inspection Report
2.11 School Inspection Reactions and Effects
Chapter Three: Research Methodology
3. Introduction
3.1. Research methodology
3.2. Selection of Study Site, Sampling of Schools and Participants
3.3. Data Collection Methods and Instrumentations
3.4. Research Procedures
3.5. Ethical Considerations
3.6. Delimitation of the Study
3.7. Limitation and Implications of the Study
Chapter Four: Findings & Discussion
4. Introduction
4.1. Research Findings
4.2. The Importance and usefulness of School Inspection
4.2.1. School Inspection Feedback and Reports
4.2.2. Information before Visiting the School
4.2.3. Classroom Observation
4.2.4. Talking to Pupils
4.2.5. Frequency of School Inspection Visits
4.2.6. Communication Style
4.3. School Inspection Contribution on Teachers’ Work Performance
4.4. Negative Effects of School Inspection
Chapter Five: Conclusions, recommendations and further studies
5. Introduction
5.1. Main Findings
5.2. Recommendations
5.2.1 The quality of school inspectors
5.2.2 Enhancing good practice of School Self Evaluation SSE:
5.2.3 The frequency of school inspection:
5.2.4 School inspection independence:
5.3. Further studies
Research Objectives & Topics
This research aims to examine the impact of school inspection on teaching and learning in Dubai’s private schools, investigate the perceptions of educators regarding the inspection process, and provide recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of school inspections to positively influence academic environments.
- The role of school inspection as an accountability mechanism.
- Educational policy and quality assurance in Dubai.
- Teachers' and head-teachers' perceptions of the inspection process.
- The impact of inspection on classroom practice and professional performance.
- Strategies for organizational improvement of school inspections.
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1.2 Why do we need school inspection?
School inspection plays a significant role in ensuring the quality of education, as it is almost the sole method by which governments can ensure and evaluate the quality of education. Moreover, governments are unable to implement the national policies and goals without school inspection. Nevertheless, by running school inspection, governments can meet the challenges of globalization by creating a competitive workforce (Wilcox, 2000; Neave, 1987).
Ehren and Honingh (2012) summarized that the purpose of school inspection is to guarantee that schools meet the legal requirements of the state to ensure the legitimacy of the received financial support. Secondly, school inspection has to encourage schools to provide students with a satisfactory level of education, and to increase their capability for student achievement.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter One: Introduction: Covers the background of school inspection in the UAE and Dubai, outlining the problem statement, purpose, objectives, and research questions of the study.
Chapter Two: Literature Review: Explores theories of accountability, various forms of school accountability, and international experiences with inspection systems.
Chapter Three: Research Methodology: Details the mixed-methods research design, including sampling of schools and participants, and the instruments used for data collection.
Chapter Four: Findings & Discussion: Analyzes the data collected from questionnaires and interviews regarding the importance, usefulness, and impact of school inspections.
Chapter Five: Conclusions, recommendations and further studies: Synthesizes the main findings and provides evidence-based recommendations for improving the school inspection process in Dubai.
Keywords
Teaching and learning, accountability, report, feedback, school inspection, school self-evaluation, educational policy, private schools, quality assurance, school performance, Dubai, KHDA, DSIB, professional development, systemic reform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this dissertation?
The research focuses on examining the impact of school inspection on teaching and learning within Dubai's private school sector.
What are the core thematic areas of this study?
The study covers the role of accountability in education, the methodology of school inspections, teacher perceptions, and the contribution of inspections to professional performance and school improvement.
What is the primary research question of this study?
The study addresses the impact of school inspection on teaching and learning and seeks to understand how educators perceive these inspections in improving school quality.
Which methodology was used to conduct this research?
A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data collection via questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus discussion groups, and a review of relevant documents.
What aspects are covered in the main body of the work?
The work provides a thorough literature review, a detailed research methodology section, an analysis of empirical findings from Dubai schools, and a discussion of the negative and positive effects of inspections.
Which keywords characterize this research?
Key terms include school inspection, teaching and learning, accountability, school self-evaluation, and educational quality.
How does the study address the role of the KHDA and DSIB?
The research analyzes the inspection frameworks set by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) to track performance and quality standards.
What does the study suggest regarding the frequency of inspections?
The research suggests that the current frequency of annual inspections may be counterproductive and recommends adjusted intervals based on school performance levels.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Mohamad Alkutich (Autor:in), 2016, Examining The Impact of School Inspection On Teaching and Learning. Dubai Private Schools as a Case Study, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/358814
