A number of modules have been
developed as part of the Commonwealth Secretariat 'Better Schools'
programme. These modules, and others that may be produced subsequently,
are intended to help school managers improve their performance.
A list of the modules currently available is given on page
xi-xii of each module (on
pages v-vi of this volume). Background information detailing
how they were produced, the target group and how they are to
be used, is also given in the preface and general introduction
to each module.
This guide is meant to help you use these modules in a manner
that will enable you to grow and develop professionally both
as an individual and as a member of a group. The guide will
draw your attention from time to time to units and sections
in Modules 1-7, as these are the modules available at the time
of writing. Its use, however, is meant to extend to any other
modules that will be produced under this programme.
While the style of writing conforms to that of others in
the series, this module does not suggest study times for specific
activities, believing that these units provide supplementary
material which should be used in conjunction with the related
modules.
Objectives
After working through this module you should be able to:
• determine and prioritise your training needs
• appreciate the need for individual initiative to enhance
your professional development
• identify initiatives for self-development in which
you and your staff can engage
• distinguish between training and professional development
• apply effective group processes to improve the management
of your school
• plan and implement a programme aimed at improving yourself
and your school.
Units
This guide is divided into five units:
Unit 1: Demands on school managers
The purpose of this unit is to make you reflect on the demands
made on school managers by a wide variety of stakeholders,
vis-a-vis the inadequate preparation they get for the jobs.
The unit ends by suggesting how you can determine and prioritise
your training needs.
Unit 2: Initiatives for self-development
In this unit you will learn of some initiatives for self-development
which you can undertake at school, cluster, district and at
other broader levels. The Commonwealth 'Better Schools' Programme
is an example of such initiatives taken at a level that goes
beyond the borders of individual countries.
Unit 3: Professional development
Here you will distinguish professional development from training
from the examples given. While both training and professional
development have a place in improving performance, given the
resource constraints experienced by most countries, the unit
emphasises the need for school managers to take the initiative
in promoting their own development.
Unit 4: Working in peer groups
This unit recognises that you, as a school manager, have to
work with and in groups. It therefore exposes you to some
methods, techniques and procedures that you can use to get
your groups working more effectively for the improvement of
your school.
Unit 5: Making your school better
This unit is both a theme that runs across all the modules
and a challenge to you, the school manager. If you are to
make your school better than it was before you were appointed,
then you should plan for its development. This unit is meant
to help you manage the process of school-development planning.
It includes a comprehensive series of self-evaluation guides
in Appendices A and B.
Contributors
This module was written by a team in Zimbabwe:
Ms M C Rukanda Chief Education Officer,
Standards Control Unit and Professional Administration,
Ministry Headquarters, Harare
Mr S Martin Deputy Chief Education Officer (Primary),
Standards Control Unit, Ministry Headquarters, Harare
Mrs B S Nhandara Deputy Regional Director (Secondary), Matabeleland
South Region
Mr M Z Mlambo Deputy Regional Director (Primary), Mashonaland
Central Region
Mr T E S Benza Regional Director,Mashonaland Central Region
Mr L C Bowora Deputy Regional Director (Primary), Harare Region
Mr E C Utete Educational Officer (Secondary), Standards Control
Unit, Ministry Headquarters, Harare
Mr A J Denhere Education Officer (Secondary), Mashonaland
West Region
Mr F B Kwari Head (Mutare Boys' High School), Manicaland Region
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