ACADEMIC DECISION MAKING PRACTICES IN HIGH SCHOOLS OF PUNJAB AND KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The study was designed to explore the current academic decision making practices in high schools of public sector in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The research objectives were developed (i) To explore current academic decision making practices in public high schools of Punjab ; (ii) To find out current academic decision making practices in public high schools of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; (iii) To compare current academic decision making practices in public high schools of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; (iv) To examine similarities and dissimilarities regarding academic decision making practices in public high schools of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Hypotheses were developed: H0 There may not have any significant difference in academic decision making practices in public high schools of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.H1 There may be a significant difference in academic decision making practices in public high schools of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa . HO There may not have differences regarding academic decision making practices in public high schools of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. H1 There may be differences regarding academic decision making practices in public high schools of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa . Two research instruments were self designed: semi structured interview guide was designed for data collection from school heads whereas close ended questionnaire was developed for data collection from the school teachers. The research instruments were found to be reliable and valid. The semi structured interview guide covered same broader areas which were covered in questionnaire so that comparison could be made. Survey method was used to collect data from respondents. The study was descriptive in nature which compared location wise academic decision making practices in high schools of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The population of the study consisted of 663 heads masters/mistresses of public high schools from three districts of Punjab and 10, 953 male and female teachers of public high schools from three districts of Punjab .311 head masters/mistresses of public high schools from three districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 3,997 male and female teachers from three districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa . A sample of 192 respondents, including 48 head masters and 48 head mistresses and 96 teachers (48 male and 48 female) of public high schools were selected on the basis of simple random sampling technique from three districts of Punjab and three districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) two- dimensional chi square was applied to find out difference of opinion of the head masters/mistresses of both provinces. Sample independent t test was applied to find opinion of teachers of both provinces. It appears from the data, that academic decision making practices in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are almost the same. This includes decision making practices regarding overall management of school, student supervision, teacher supervision, role of School Council/PTA, demonstration of lessons and experiments, and community participation. The head masters/mistresses being over all management incharges of the schools have to plan the objectives for the academic year and design the strategy to achieve the objectives. It was found that head masters/mistresses supervised students, organized and coordinated (internal and external) examinations. They are responsible to make decisions for developing skills, interest and aptitudes among students in classroom activities. Head masters/mistresses have to supervise the teachers and provide them professional guidance. Academic decision making practices are used regarding supervision of curricular, co-curricular activities, evaluation and assessment of student achievement, assessing the performance of teachers as well as students. Head masters/mistresses have to make decisions regarding community participation in problem solving at school.