Thesis Statement
The thesis argument is that theory can be developed about the
implementation, maintenance and dissemination of school health education
based on a school development approach. Such theory development can
assist teachers to design programs appropriate to the needs of their
classrooms, schools and communities.
Thesis Setting
The implementation and maintenance of school health education programs
has not usually been the focus of research and as a consequence is rarely
reported in the literature. The research in this thesis draws upon many
disciplines and fields but in order to answer the thesis questions
methodological processes were required that were consistent with current
school situations. The earlier School Development in Health Education
(SDHE) program's work in research, development and dissemination provided
the setting for the thesis.
Methodology of the Research
The methodology of the research study involved a case study approach using
both multiple and single case studies. Data have been drawn from SDHE
schools in South Australia undertaking health, sexuality and drug education.
The methodology adopted for the studies in this thesis is a case study design
incorporating an iterative theory-study-theory sequence in which an initial
theory statement derived from the literature guides the development of a
multiple case study which, in effect, 'tests' the theory in a qualitative way. The
finding of the case study then informs development and elaboration of the
theory statement in its second version. This is then used to test the next
multiple case study which leads to further development of the theory in its third
version. The third iteration of the theory is tested in a single case study that
leads to the fourth and final version of the theory.
Data analysis was aided by the use of the Q.S.R. NUD.IST computer package
that helped to manage and explore the thesis ideas about the data. In
establishing these syntheses the chain of evidence in the data sets was
maintained. The analysis also allowed the thesis findings to be used to test
theories about the data that answered the thesis questions.
Thesis Findings
The findings of the thesis are contained in the final version of the theory. The
theory is structured around program drivers, phases, types and processes that
together produce implementation, maintenance and dissemination. This final
theory statement is the basis for drawing the thesis conclusions.
Thesis Conclusions
It was concluded that patterns of factors that enhance and inhibit the
implementation, maintenance and dissemination of school health education
programs could be placed in a theoretical framework that can guide practice in
school health education.
To be successful school health education programs have to include three
critical elements: leadership, action research and funding. Leaders or program
drivers need to be identified and resourced; they may be principals or
designated teaching staff with access to decision making, policy processes
and resource allocation in schools. Teachers need to engage in a reflective
action research process to develop, modify and sustain their curriculum
development work. Programs require adequate funding resources for
teachers' professional development, including action research, and the
purchase of human and material resources. Schools planning to introduce
programs may learn from the experience of others but they must themselves
engage in the critical and essential program features identified in the final
version of the theory.
Implications
The thesis conclusions imply the need to use more efficient ways of bringing
schools' and teachers' hidden competence to the fore to support school health
education program through varied patterns of professional development,
technical support and curriculum development and implementation, and
through funding of enhanced professional practice for health literacy.
A major implication for the health sector is that many health workers need to
learn collaborative skills since there is a tendency to take control and attempt
to direct what teachers should do rather than work with and support them.
An implication for programs in complex social environments is the need for
careful planning in collaboration with other stakeholders. The critical elements
developed in this thesis also apply - leadership, action research and funding.
Evaluation can adopt a case study approach as a more suitable method for
examining what happens in programs than an overly simplistic approach of
assessing goals and objectives which ignores the differences in program
implementation for different sites with the necessary localisation.
Further Research
Further research suggested by the thesis findings are in the areas of school
health education in the changing administrative and management environment
today, and of the use of various types of case study research in tandem to
answer comprehensive and complex program performance questions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218728 |
| Date | January 1998 |
| Creators | van der Heide, George, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Professional & Community Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright George van der Heide |
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