The training needs of principals of private schools in the Union Territory of Pondicherry, India
Abstract
This study proposed to find out how the new principals of private high and higher secondary schools of Pondicherry Union Territory learn to administer and supervise schools without formal training or a license. It also ventured to look into the training needs of those principals. The study being a qualitative one used the method of interviews as the tool. The researcher interviewed 8 principals of schools within 1 to 5 years of their principalship, inclusive of all categories of available schools. The researcher, following the principle of maximum variation, selected principals from the schools run by the various religious denominations, aided and unaided schools, all boys, all girls, and co-ed schools, schools following different syllabi, headed by a male or female principal, schools in the different regions of the state, urban and rural schools. In fact, the interviews revealed that the principals' experiences as teacher, head teacher, and vice principal, and also their earlier leadership experiences at home, in the school, and in the college helped them to administer their schools well. All the principals categorically expressed they needed help to administer their schools better. On enquiry into which areas they require help the most, 9 areas were pointed out by them. Those areas are administration, prioritizing and time management, communication, dealing with the staff, departmental regulations, financial management, dealing with parents, students' guidance and counseling, and networking of schools. The researcher went ahead to find out from the interviewees the methods of teaching for training the new principals. In fact, they proposed 4 methods, though not exhaustive, and they are seminar cum lecture method, field trip and case study, role play and audio-visual method as the most suitable methods of teaching adults. The researcher reiterated the need and necessity to run training programs for the principals of schools in Pondicherry as one of his conclusions. He also stressed the need to make them mandatory for new principals. He recommended the inclusion of mission and vision of the school as one of the topics to be dealt with in the administrator preparation program. Finally he advocated designated mentors for the beginning principals.
Subject Area
Educational administration|Adult education|South Asian Studies
Recommended Citation
John, Paul, "The training needs of principals of private schools in the Union Territory of Pondicherry, India" (2002). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI3056141.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI3056141
