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This case study explored the use of site-visitation as a diagnostic tool for school improvement. Nine charter schools in New Orleans were selected for the study. Based on qualitative research and systems theory, a within- and cross-case analysis of nine semi-structured interviews with school leaders were conducted. The school leaders’ experiences with the state-run site-visitation model and their use of the findings for school improvement was explored. The findings led to the development of a hybrid accountability model that encompasses the components school leaders believe will lead to school improvement. This study aims to assist educators, policy makers, and researchers to better understand site-visitation and its role in school improvement.

Diese Dissertation sucht eine Lücke in der Forschung zur interkulturellen Kommunikation (IKK) zu schließen, bietet damit eine umfassende interdisziplinäre Darstellung und Evaluation westlicher und chinesischer Werteforschung und beschreibt die Ergebnisse von in China durchgeführten Wertestudien, die die Wertetheorie von Schwartz erproben und erweitern. Band 1 enthält (1.) einen historischen Überblick über die Werteforschung und grundlegende Kulturkonzepte in verwandten Disziplinen; (2.) eine Kriterien basierte Analyse der Werteforschung; (3.) eine Abgrenzung des Wertekonzepts und Unterscheidung von anderen verwandten psychologischen Domänen; (4.) eine Neubetrachtung des Spannungsverhältnisses zwischen Moderne und Tradition hin zu einer cluster-basierten Wertematrix; (5.) einen Beitrag zur Bedeutung von Werten vor dem Hintergrund eines beschleunigten sozialen Wandels; (6.) einen historischen Überblick über die Beschreibung von chinesischen Werten aus verschiedenen Perspektiven und ihren Bezügen zur internationalen Forschung, sowie (7.) einen Überblick der aktuellen Werteforschung aus China. Band 2 beinhaltet eine multi-methodisch angelegte Stichprobenuntersuchung, die qualitativ und explorativ Sprache und Kultur anhand von chinesischen Begrifflichkeiten, Ausdrucksweisen und Sprichwörtern untersucht. Mittels einer statistischen Analyse von indigenen Daten wird eine quasi quantitative Untersuchungsmethode konstruiert, die eine Verbindung indigenen emischen Daten mit dem allgemeinen Untersuchungsrahmen für die Abbildung von Wertrelationen nach Schwartz herzustellen vermag. Als wichtigste Ergebnisse der Untersuchung sind: (1) Das universelle Model nach Schwartz wurde mit kleineren kontextbezogenen Modifikationen anhand der chinesischen Daten bestätigt, ebenso (2.) das stetige Auftreten von zehn „dichten kulturellen Clustern“ sowohl auf der Ebene der Kultur als auch des Individuums, womit eine Erweiterung der sieben Bereiche von Schwartz. (3.) Auf der theoretischen Ebene müssen neue Cluster/ Dimensionen beachtet werden, wobei empirisch belegbar eine Teilung von „Embeddedness“ und Egalitarianismus vorgeschlagen wird und es Hinweise darauf gibt, dass es Überschneidungen von Mastery und Hierarchiewerten gibt. / This dissertation addresses a gap in intercultural communication research, providing a comprehensive interdisciplinary overview and evaluation of western and Chinese values studies, as well as devising multi-method studies among Chinese to test and expand Schwartz’s values theory. Volume 1 provides a(n) (1) extensive historical review of values and core culture concepts in related disciplines, (2) an integrated check-list of value studies critiques; (3) an attempted detangling of the values concept from other related psychological domains; (4) a rethinking of tradition-modernity assessments, proposing a matrix of co-existing value clusters; (5) the particular relevance of values in rapid social change; (6) a historical summary of Chinese values descriptions with links to international research; and (7) an extensive English review of recent Chinese mainland values research. Volume 2 reports multi-method probes including qualitative language and culture explorations at the term, expression and proverb unit of analysis as well as statistical analysis of indigenous data. It presents exploratory quasi-quantitative procedures for associating indigenous emic data with the Schwartz etic framework for values relation mapping. Consistent cultural clusters, emerging matrix dimensions, and fit statistics are analyzed to propose and analyze value set sub-scales. Main findings include (1) confirmation of the universal Schwartz model in these Chinese samples with some contextual modifications; (2) consistent appearance (at both cultural and individual levels) of ten “thick cultural clusters” that enhance and expand Schwartz’s seven domains; (3) theoretical expansion that in such contexts, new clusters/dimensions need to be considered, with robust evidence to split Embeddedness and Egalitariansm and evidence of some blended Mastery and Hiearchy value sets which deserve reconsideration for how they might reflect interdependent or collective culture reinterpretations. Keys are provided for future research, varied theoretical frameworks are reconsidered, and proposals put forward for a more historically-, contextually-, theoretically- and meaning-based values study research process.

This dissertation presents research that is broadly concerned with comparative understanding of the concept of citizenship and its relationship to nationhood, most particularly as it relates to contemporary government policies - what Michel Foucault refers to as 'studies of governmentality' - in Britain and Hong Kong. A major consideration is the assessment of how modern states seek to imbue citizenship with new meanings by mobilising connections to reimagined 'national cultures' and 'national values' as a way of expanding power and limiting access to citizenship. Two cases are selected and examined in this research to elucidate the above concern and consideration. The first is Hong Kong, where a compulsory subject Moral and National Education was proposed in 2012 to cultivate students' positive values and enhance their 'national qualities'. The second is Britain, where all schools and universities since 2015 must by law carry out the Prevent Duty to assess the risk of students becoming terrorists and beginning in 2014 where all schools must actively promote 'fundamental British values'. In both contexts, the education policies and their associated discourses claimed to protect 'our culture', defend 'our values', and promote understanding of 'our nation' Curriculum documents, policy documents, and parliamentary reports related to these education policies are collected and critically analysed in a genealogical approach to reveal (a) the expressions of 'national values' and citizenship in these policy and associated political texts, (b) how these texts and associated discourses influenced the re-imagination of nations, and (c) how the national perspectives expressed ideologically - especially in relation to the narrowing of borders through policies - recast, mediate or alter conceptions of citizenship. The comparative policy landscape in Britain and Hong Kong is assessed by deploying an interdisciplinary framework that addresses nation, citizenship, borders, and governmentality in a unique way. The study of the cases, in return, demonstrates how this framework can be applied to analysing education policies and assessing the rationalities and effects of these policies.

This research examined the reasons for the differences in the academic performance of school learners, and makes reference to economic, social and cultural capital theory in explaining educational imbalances in society. Many researchers have conducted studies on the factors contributing to the academic performance of learners at various levels of schooling have been undertaken. These researchers have come to the conclusion that the academic performance of learners is affected by numerous factors, namely, gender, age, learners' schooling, family’s socio-economic status, residential area of learners, the medium of instruction in schools, tuition trends, hours spent on studying on a daily basis and accommodation in hostels (Petersen, 2010:15). There is a popular saying in south-western Nigeria, that “if the parents’ financial status is good, the reflection of it will show in the child”. This study is focused on the academic performance of learners at the secondary school level and investigates the influence of economic, social and cultural capital on their academic performance. This study aims to determine which factors contribute to the poor academic performance of rural secondary school learners in south-western Nigeria and then, based on the findings of the research undertaken to make recommendations regarding what could be done to improve the academic performance of these learners. The mixed-methods approach of combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches to accomplish the aims of the research were used. The population consisted of four secondary schools, four school principals, 16 teachers, 40 parents and 120 learners. According to the results of this research, we can see that the social, cultural and economic capital of parents is a powerful determinant with regard to motivating their children’s education. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Socio-Education)

This dissertation examines the manifestations of the development discourse in the context of a bilateral South-South program of educational assistance through scholarships provided by the Cuban government at the secondary and postsecondary levels to students from Ghana. The research assesses the meanings attached to this program on the basis of the observations, understandings and perceptions of a group of graduates, and of former administrators who were involved in the design, implementation and/or administration of the program. The study gives legitimacy to the perspectives of a distinct group of knowers in a country of the postcolonial Global South who were socialized into an educational model that differs from the educational context of their home country. The research aims to illuminate the links between the program graduates’ experiences with the Cuban program and their subsequent contributions to Ghanaian society, with particular emphasis on the process of their reintegration. Research questions focus on the study participants’ perceptions regarding the relevance of the Cuban education in regard to academic and practical preparation; the combination of liberal and utilitarian principles of education; access opportunities; and ways in which the Ghanaian government may have encouraged the graduates’ return to Ghana in the context of the global brain drain phenomenon. Upon their return to Ghana, the graduates encountered challenges with respect to cultural disorientation due to the partial adoption of Cuban norms and values. They experienced difficulties integrating into professional life based on a perceived lack of understanding of certain Cuban credentials among Ghanaian employers, and encountered discrimination based on their education in an Eastern Bloc country. Once they had overcome the initial challenges, the graduates felt that the technical and professional aspects of their education, in particular the strong applied focus of their study programs, were well aligned with the Ghanaian context. There was evidence that early recruitment at the secondary level and a defined recruitment strategy resulted in program participation across the 10 Regions of Ghana. A distinct subgroup of graduates currently residing in the Bahamas provided insights into the reasons for their non-return to Ghana or their decision to leave their home country again.

This dissertation explores the types of professional communities that are built when teachers work in initiatives that, in various forms, link them to teachers from other countries. In doing so it explores the types of knowledge that may be exchanged by the building of these communities and the value that teachers put upon these different forms of knowledge. Therefore, this study is situated in the broad theoretical context of discussions related to the building of professional communities but explores this within a specifically international context. The most significant findings that this dissertation identifies are: that the teachers involved built the professional communities that are most important to them in more exploratory ways and with more agency than is suggested by other related research, and in connection to this that those professional communities that the participants attached most significance to were consistently alternative to the immediate workplace. It was also found that whilst the teachers involved in this study problematised the possibility of directly transferring specific classroom strategies, stories about teaching were seen by all to be useful vehicles for exchanging other forms of knowledge, for enabling affirmation and for co-constructing moral purpose. These findings have potential implications for policy and practice as they indicate that structures that focus exclusively on developing communities within schools may need to be enriched by those that provide teachers with the flexibility to discover and build communities in alternative ways too. The primary data collection method used when conducting this research was interview. The participants who were interviewed came from two countries, namely England and Macedonia. This entirely qualitative approach is positioned within an interpretivist paradigm. However, it is argued that contributions to theoretical debates regarding the nature of professional communities can still be made.

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Inclusive education is an international philosophy that places emphasis on the provision of special education services to students with special learning needs within regular classrooms. Teachers, regardless of where in the world they are, require positive attitudes to engage in discussions, adapt curricula, develop strategies and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for the implementation of inclusionary practices. The aim and rationale for this study was to explore the attitudes of South Africans as expatriates in a foreign country (Oman) at schools where inclusion was recently implemented but where little research was conducted in the area. In addition, the purpose was also to gain more knowledge about the elements that may influence teacher attitudes towards inclusion. A quantitative approach was employed and an online questionnaire was used to obtain data. The small sample (N=35) limited findings to descriptive statistics only. The study revealed that most teachers held positive attitudes towards the fundamental principles of inclusive education but teachers held negative attitudes towards the practical implementation of inclusion within classrooms. Teachers who received training were more positive to supporting inclusion. Male teachers expressed greater negativity than female teachers towards inclusionary practices in schools but then male teachers were more supportive and willing to undertake training, engage in teacher support and work collaboratively. Teachers teaching older groups of students appear to be less knowledgeable and less prepared or equipped to deal with inclusion. Teachers with less teaching experience held more positive attitudes towards inclusive education. Recommendations were made to provide suggestions of ways to eliminate and discourage negative attitudes and research based recommendations for future research were listed. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

The aim of this study was to find ways of improving the quality of teaching and learning in the Erongo primary schools in Namibia. The study focussed on the numerous education reforms that Namibia underwent since independence in 1990 and how these have assisted in providing quality education to all its inhabitants. The quality of the education has been a topic widely debated and the Government of Namibia’s records of attempts to create a change within the education system can be found in published documents such as: Records of attempts by the Namibian Government to improve the quality of education in the country are found in published documents such as; Ministry of Basic Education and Culture (1992a); Ministry of Education and Culture, (1992b); Ministry of Education and Culture (1993); Ministry of Basic Education and Culture (1999); Ministry of Education and Culture (2003); Government of the Republic of Namibia (1999); Government of the Republic of Namibia (2004); Government of the Republic of Namibia (2007a) and Government of the Republic of Namibia, (2007b). In this study, the researcher looked at the inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes of education in schools, tried to define the term quality in education, and also focussed on both the human and material resources that influence education. Through this, focus was placed on the school as a unit that could provide change. The investigation was conducted in 18 schools, randomly selected, in the Erongo region in the western part of Namibia. Initially, the researcher intended to administer two questionnaires at the 25 schools selected, but during data collections, principals at some schools indicated that their teachers were unwilling and reasons were given, as mentioned in Chapter 5 of 5.1. Therefore, the initial total of schools selected could not be met. In the 18 schools, more participants completed questionnaires than others. However, the total of 50 questionnaires was completed as envisaged. For the interviews, the researcher randomly selected twenty percent (20%) from the teachers who completed the questionnaires thus a total number of 10 teachers were selected. The need for quality in schools is seen as a major challenge and places huge demands on educational institutions. The frameworks selected in this study are relevant because they can be applied to the understanding of the concept of quality in the education context and direct the improvement of the whole school towards educational change and assist in addressing the factors that could hamper the quality of education provided. The study also focused on the education systems in four Sub-Saharan countries: Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Malawi and three European countries: Germany, Belgium and Finland. These countries were selected to find ways that could assist its quest to provide quality teaching and learning in schools. The Sub-Saharan countries have shown that change has an impact on the outcomes of education, yet to reach these outcomes, many reforms and transformations need to take place. This has important implications for the education system in Namibia where various reforms and transformations are currently taking place to address the quality of education in schools. The European countries have been found to have good quality schools and their policies in education are aimed at achieving quality education. The strengths and weaknesses of the countries selected for this study could serve as essentially vital lessons to the challenges the Namibian government is still faced with in respect of the teaching and learning process. This study used the mixed method for data collection. Both questionnaires and interviews were used and the study was conducted in the Erongo education region of Namibia. The findings of this study indicated that schools are still faced with many challenges in realising the ultimate goal of Vision 2030, whereby all citizens would receive quality education and meet the challenges of an industrialised country. The results of the study suggested that quality human and material resources were still lacking which resulted in schools not being able to provide the quality of education envisaged by the Ministry of Education. The immense administrative work given to teachers has surfaced as one of the areas that need improvement and that could result in teachers being able to utilize sufficient time in the classrooms during teaching. As far as the material resources were concerned, it was discovered that learners, at some schools, shared desks and chairs as well as textbooks. There appears to be a slow pace with which Information, Communication and Technology is introduced and used in schools. The need for computers in schools; the need for learners to become familiar with technology; and the need for teacher training in the use of computers appeared to be a dire need. Although the clustering system of schools has being regarded as very valuable in the improvement of quality teaching and learning in classrooms, there was however a need expressed for funds to assist in transport costs to attend the meetings as schools were situated at vast distances from each other. The study has thus arrived at the conclusion that stakeholders, namely teachers, principals and heads of departments are attempting to improve the quality of teaching and learning at their schools but are however hampered by the factors mentioned. The need for improved quality teaching and learning is a challenge at schools and support is needed from the Ministry of Education to reach the ultimate goal of the Government of the Republic of Namibia in providing quality teaching and learning to all its learners. / Educational Leadership and Management / D. Ed. (Education Management)