A Learning Organization: Conditions for Success of the Excellent Schools in Hunan, China

Abstract

This research aimed to study the conditions for the success of the three excellent schools and use the findings to design a model for the development of excellent schools in Hunan, China. The quantitative data were gathered from the sample group of 392 teachers of the three schools, who filled out the 45-item questionnaires, while the qualitative data were from in-depth interviews with the three school principles. Quantitative data were analyzed by factor analysis, and qualitative interview data were analyzed by Grounded Theory. The findings from the questionnaire data analysis identified eight aspects that shaped a learning organization: 1) School policies and goals 2) Supportive Environment 3) Professional development 4) Collaboration 5) Strategies to adapt to changes 6) Leadership 7) Sharing vision 8) Information Technology. From the three principals’ interviews, six themes emerged: 1) Changes in all areas affecting education and Change-facing strategies 2) Choices of curricula and pedagogies 3) Successful ways to teacher development 4) Student preparation for the Future 5) Cooperation of all school stakeholders and 6) Focus on Innovations. Based on the findings, a recommended model for the schools which aim to become excellent schools has been proposed.