A Description of the Perceptions of the Principals and Climates of Zambia's 'Effective' Schools

About the Book

The study was in response to the pressing quest for educational qualitative improvement in Zambia. An alternative qualitative method to school improvement is suggested. The study describes and examines the administrative and leadership characteristics and climates of five Zambian secondary schools designated and nominated by the Ministry of General Education and Culture as successful schools. Interviews and questionnaires administered to headteachers and teachers were used for data collection. Content and item analysis in the interviews and questionnaire responses were used. The findings are not consistent in all the five schools investigated with the literature on effective schools. No school covered was perceived favourably in all the five dimensions tested. Appropriate recommendations are made for policy makers, practitioners and stake holders.

About the Author

Born in 1945 in Chipata district of the Eastern Province, Kunkhuli village, chief Maguya, Dr. Kunkhuli did his primary schooling at Mtowe and St,. Mary”s Schools ( 1954 - 1961 ). The junior secondary education was done at Mpima Minor Seminary in Kabwe but could not continue due to financial constraints. A one year teachers’ training course was done at Charles Lwanga College in 1965. On completion, Dr. Kunkhuli was posted to Chaomba primary school in Lundazi, chief Zumwanda. After getting married in December, 1968, he was promoted to head Lumezi Girls Boarding school in the same district. He got transferred in 1970 to Chikungu Girls Boarding school in Kazimule, Eastern province. Through private studies for the General Certificate of Education, he passed three subjects which were followed by the University of Zambia ( UNZA ) Mature Age exams. This led him to study for the Bachelor of Education in 1973. In 1977, he was posted to Solwezi Teachers College as a Lecturer and stayed on until mid 1978 when UNZA recruited him as a Staff Development Fellow in the Faculty of Education. From 1978 to 1980, he was sent for studies to Teachers College, Columbia University where he obtained an MA and an M.ED in Sociology of Education. Then in 1983 and 1988 he studied for another M.ED and Doctor of Education at University of British Columbia and Teachers College, Columbia University respectively. Dr. Kunkhuli has a wide experience as a teacher, teacher trainer (lecturer), administrator at the University of Zambia and at the Zambian Open University where he is currently a Senior Lecturer and Acting Director in the Bureau of Affiliations and Partnership. Dr. Kunkhuli is married with five children.