PRIMARY SCHOOL MANAGEMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: CHALLENGES AND INNOVATIONS EXPLORED THROUGH MIXED-METHODS RESEARCH

Abstract

This research explores primary schooling management practices and the contribution of management practices,
particularly leadership-driven effectiveness and the emergence of new school management innovative practice. The mixedmethods design was used to explore various dimensions of the complexity of understanding. At the quantitative phase, 48 teachers and 13 school administrators from various primary schools were surveyed to assess the relationships among leadership practices, decision making processes, and school effectiveness. For the qualitative phase, we met with 10 participants. The qualitative evidences show that participants have reported some particular innovative practices, such as more flexible decision making structures, more teacher involvement, more data-informed management and some, were used to enhance schools effectiveness. To develop the application of a knowledge perspective in educational management through an innovator based approach, the study provides some practical contribution to improving the capacity of leadership and the context in primary education by developing context relevant innovation