An exploration of the factors impacting Irish post-primary principals’ s data practices and data-use development
Kinsella, Alan
Kinsella, Alan
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Publication Date
2022-04-25
Type
Thesis
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Abstract
Using Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model of human development as its theoretical framework, this study examines the factors impacting Irish post-primary principals’ use of data to inform their leadership and management practice. While the factors impacting teachers’ data-informed practices, and to a lesser degree those of school leaders, have been the focus of research internationally, this study addresses the lack of research in this area within the Irish context. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 24 post-primary principals representing a variety of school types and professional backgrounds and experiences. A thematic analysis framework was applied to the data gathered to generate the research findings. This in-depth qualitative study is positioned within an interpretivist paradigm with a pragmatic slant and conducted through the lens of the bioecological theory of human development. It sought to give voice to the experience of school leaders around their data-use practices and, in so doing, explicates the factors impacting this domain of leadership practice. The findings identify three key areas of influence on principals’ data use; their prior educational and professional experiences, which shape their approach towards data use and their development in that area; the issue of systemic capacity, leadership and support for schools and school leaders around data use; and the impact of relationships at school level on principals’ data use practices and development. The study found the bioecological perspective on development as a function of each individual’s biopsychological characteristics, ecological context, and interpersonal interactions, all within a temporal context, appropriate to the developing understanding of principals’ data-use practice.
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NUI Galway