What characteristics and processes define a school as a learning organisation? Is this a useful concept to apply to schools?

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2002-03
Authors
Silins, Halia
Zarins, Silja
Mulford, William Richard
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Shannon Research Press
Rights
Rights Holder
Abstract
The concept of secondary schools as learning organisations was being examined as part of a research project involving South Australian and Tasmanian secondary schools. Learning organisations were defined as schools that: employ processes of environmental scanning; develop shared goals; establish collaborative teaching and learning environments; encourage initiatives and risk taking; regularly review all aspects related to and influencing the work of the school; recognise and reinforce good work; and, provide opportunities for continuing professional development. A survey of 2,000 teachers and principals was conducted using items representing these seven dimensions. The data were analysed and confirmatory factor analysis using LISREL was employed to test the four measurement models generated. The discussion clarifies the characteristics and processes recognised as existing in secondary schools that relate to the reconceptualisation of schools as learning organisations and addresses the usefulness of this approach. [Author abstract]
Description
Keywords
Institutional characteristics, Learning organisations, Factor analysis
Citation
Silins, Halia; Zarins, Silja & Mulford, Bill ( 2002) What characteristics and processes define a school as a learning organisation? Is this a useful concept to apply to schools? International Education Journal v3(1)