Development of an Academic Collaborative Network Management Model in Small-sized Primary Schools Under the Office of the Basic Education Commission in the Lower Northeast Region 1

Abstract

            The objectives of this research were to study the current condition and guidelines for academic collaborative network management in small-sized primary schools, to develop and evaluate the appropriateness of an academic collaborative network management model, and to assess its feasibility and usefulness. The research comprised three steps. Step 1 had two sub-steps: Step 1.1 examined the current condition of academic network management with 320 small-sized primary schools in the Lower Northeastern Region 1, using a questionnaire with an item-objective congruence index of 0.80–1.00 and a reliability of 0.89, analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation; Step 1.2 explored best-practice guidelines through semi-structured interviews with 4 school administrators. Step 2 involved drafting the model and evaluating its appropriateness through a focus group discussion with 7 experts. Step 3 assessed the model’s feasibility and usefulness using a questionnaire completed by 60 administrators or teachers from small-sized primary schools. The findings revealed that: 1) the current condition and best-practice guidelines were overall at a high level, with administrators needing to create a participatory vision and develop teachers through cross-school professional learning communities to ensure an effective collaborative network; 2) the appropriateness of the model was rated at the highest level; and 3) the feasibility and usefulness of the model were rated at the highest level.