Schools Effectiveness in State of Kuwait, Research Proposal Example

Introduction

In recent years there have been rapid changes in the education field that has driven many countries to tackle ways to prepare students to meet the global world. Officials are using effective education methods to prepare young people to become productive members of society. The effectiveness of teachers is one of the most important principles that officials are paying close attention to.  Other factors are changing curricula, learning methods, adequate training. Many countries are having difficulty providing good management programs that fit all stakeholders’ needs and requirements. Teachers and parents alike want the Ministry of Education to focus more on providing teachers with practical and technical skills through workshops in order to implement improvements in teaching methods. Teachers and staff need to be more involved in preparing and implementing management programs for their schools. The education system in Kuwait is completely controlled by the Ministry of Education. Although the education system has improved in Kuwait, it is still not as competitive as needed to be to produce young adults that can compete with the rest of the world.  The current system used by the Ministry of Education in Kuwait allows students to essentially decide what they want to learn. Essentially, the system needs an overhaul in the areas of school governance, school leadership, professional development, and educational policies.  The importance of this research arose from the need to maintain a balance of power between teachers and officials. This research will be useful to anyone who is a stakeholder in the education system of Kuwait.

Aims of Research

This research has four key aims:

1. To investigate the shortcomings of management program used by the Ministry of Education in the State of Kuwait from different perspectives.
2. To understand stakeholders’ attitudes towards their contribution to management in Kuwait school programs.
3. To understand if the relationship between school leadership and professional development maintain a balance in power.
4. To identify the most appropriate ways to develop educational policies that will benefit all stakeholders and students alike.

Research Questions

1. What are the shortcomings of the educational system in Kuwait that is controlled by the Ministry of Education?
2. What are the teachers’ attitudes towards the educational system and how does that affect their teaching?
3. What is the perceived effectiveness of the program and what are come ways teachers feel problems can be corrected?
4. What are some professional development opportunities teachers would like to take part in?

Review of LiteratureAccording to Briggs and Wohlstetter School based management is the most popular form used to improve failing schools. SBM has been used to increase accountability for all stakeholders. When used correctly, SBM will improve the efficiency of administration, empower teachers, and gain the involvement of the community and parents. The authors noted that until the late 1980’s, SBM was used as a stand alone method to reform failing schools. However, today it is often implemented with other forms of management skills. Although significant evidence proves that SBM systems are phenomenal in improving failing schools, a poorly designed and implemented SBM system will produce less than favorable outcomes for the school system. In some instances, the failing school may actually become worse. This article was drawn from the finding of numerous SBM studies. It was conducted over a 10 year period of time. From this research eight elements of SBM were compiled:

1. Vision of teaching and learning
2. Decision making authority
3. Distribution of Power
4. Professional development
5. Communication
6. Rewards
7. Shared Leadership
8. Resources

Ethical Issues

Kuwait is faced with many challenges due to its political, economical, social, and cultural status. Kuwait lies in a volatile area of tension between Iraq and Iran. This situation will pose a political challenge. The education system in Kuwait is now attempting to operate under a democratic approach. Kuwait’s oil supply is being depleted. Consequently, they are looking for alternative means of income. This loss of income poses an economical problem for Kuwait. Cultural beliefs, values, and trends are a great challenge for education in Kuwait. Ministry of Education is attempting to create a modern curriculum that prepares students for the world, but some tactics go against Arabic culture. Kuwait has an inseparable society. Prosperity and independence may be difficult to accomplish with Kuwait’s cohesive geographical area.

Methodology

Qualitative approach is the most appropriate approach to the educational system in Kuwait. This type of approach involves interaction between the researcher and the subjects. This type of approach will provide the researcher will more in-depth information that conveys a better understanding of the situation. Another important strength of the qualitative approach is the enhanced likelihood of the data being collected is valid. This is so because the researcher who has a vested interest in the cause is more likely to record details and information from the subjects in more detail. This allows the researcher to investigate the situation in a holistic manner. The subjects are more flexible in their response to questions too. They are able to express their thoughts in greater detail. They can even respond to how or why questions. Subjects are more likely to go into detail verbally more so than if they were writing answers. By being on site and actually having verbal conversations with subjects, the interviewer is able to see, hear, and feel things that he/she may not otherwise experience from reading answers to a questionnaire.

Data Collection Method

Information will be gathered after receiving written permission from the Ministry of Education.  All data will be collected in the forms of text, event description, and comments by individual subjects. The interview method will be used guided by the researcher. All questions will be driven by the aims and objectives of the research to ensure that subjects are descriptive and explanative. Pen, paper, and audio recording will be used. All data collected will be kept under lock and key and properly disposed of after the conclusion of this research.

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