Principals' Perceptions of Effective Teaching: A Survey on Chinese School Principals

• In Event: Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: School Effectiveness and School Improvement SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Principals’ beliefs of effective teaching presumably shape their efforts to recruit, evaluate, support teachers to develop their teaching practices. Drawing on survey data from Chinese principals, this study examines their perceptions of effective teaching and compares them with those of Chinese teachers and U.S. school principals in the literature. It found that Chinese principals believed effective teaching practices as aligning lesson plans with student learning styles, engaging students actively in the learning process, offering clear, specific, and timely feedback, treating all students with respect, and maintaining a physical and emotional safe environment for students. These perceptions were consistent with Chinese teachers’ perceptions but differentiated from U.S. principals’ beliefs. They were varied because of Chinese principals’ experiences, school locations, and kinds.

Authors

• Shujie Liu, Qufu Normal University

• Jian Wang, Texas Tech University