The role of the principal in leading and managing teaching and learning in Lesotho : a case study of distributed leadership in two primary schools in the distric of Botha-Bothe.

[摘要] Education in Lesotho was not available to all children until the year 2000 with theintroduction of the Free Primary Education policy. Since then, the huge rise in enrolments,the abolition of school fees, the effects of new policies and the problems of HIV/AIDS haveexpanded the demands on the principal while limited human and financial resources threatenthe quality of education.This study investigates the role of two principals in the Botha Bothe district in the leadershipand management of teaching and learning as well as the strategies they employ to overcomethe difficulties. Special attention is given to distributed leadership so that accountable,effective and efficient leadership and management can take place.Qualitative methodology has been used through instruments such as questionnaires, followupinterviews and observations to obtain data from the principals at the schools, one deputyprincipal and three to four teachers each.The findings indicate that the perceived main role of the principal at both these schools is managingand leading teaching and learning to the required standard. In both schools, it has been found thatprincipals share their complex managerial duties with teachers and deputy principals, that mostteachers willingly give of their time to contribute to the success of the school in this way andunderstand the need for doing so.By incorporating and respecting teachers’ contributions to leadership, the study shows how bothprincipals cope with their particular leadership challenges. While the strategies used can serve as aguide to others within similar contexts, the researcher suggests that the education authorities inLesotho need to be more aware of the problems facing schools, should make sufficient human andphysical resources available to help principals manage the schools properly, and provide for AIDSorphans adequately.In addition, support for quality education in the form of ongoing professional development for bothprincipals and teachers is needed, and more research needs to be conducted related to education issuesin Lesotho.

[发布机构] University of the Witwatersrand