The Oxford Professional Development Course, School Effectiveness and Improvement through Research and Development (SEIRD) designed and directed by Dr. Deniz Kurtoğlu Eken was held at TED University in Ankara on December 5-6-7, 2012. The third SEIRD event was attended by 26 preparatory school managers/directors from 18 different universities in Turkey.
What makes a school effective? What are the essential factors that enhance learning in schools? How can schools create a healthy climate of learning and development? How can schools make a difference? SEIRD aims to explore answers to such key questions with a view to helping schools to improve and enhance their effectiveness in order to serve more fully and effectively the educational needs of their students. The course is aimed at education professionals engaged in educational planning and administration; school managers/directors, heads of units, teacher trainers, senior teachers and others involved in leading roles within the school context.
SEIRD’s overarching course aims centre around an assessment of the school’s present situation; identifying goals to be reached; designing/adapting and implementing processes to attain the goals; and monitoring and evaluating what has been accomplished with a view to making policy decisions for the further improvement and enhancement of school practices. Key course themes include: school effectiveness research; curriculum development; effective management; observation for research and development; effective teaching and teacher development; assessment of learning; institutional research and feedback; performance management and evaluation; and strategic planning.
Course methodology is grounded in a participant-centred approach, a principled balance between input and practice and in the inter-relationship of each session topic.
SEIRD’s intended learning outcomes reflect what successful school leaders need to know, understand and be able to incorporate into their professional and managerial practices by the end of the course:
•to heighten awareness of variables and factors that contribute to school effectiveness
•to develop knowledge and understanding of criteria for evaluating school effectiveness
•to help provide students with a principled range of learning activities and a diverse assessment strategy
•to provide effective support to teachers in their personal and professional development
•to develop strategic planning, self-assessment and research skills for school improvement
•to foster a culture of development and a spirit of collaboration within the school
