Schools as Learning Organizations: Examining the Learning Dimensions in Elementary and High Schools

• In Event: Park Central Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Reconsidering Schools as Learning Organizations

Abstract

This study examined how schools function as learning organizations based on Watkins and Marsick’s theoretical framework. A theory-based instrument, Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) was administered to a sample of 485 teachers and staff in elementary and high schools. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to analyze the dimensional structure of the learning organization construct. Multivariate Analysis of Variance was used to compare elementary and high schools on the learning dimensions. Results showed more presence of the learning characteristics as reported by teachers and staff in elementary schools than in high schools. Implications of the study findings to school improvement are discussed.

Authors

• Bridget Zhaohui Sheng, Western Illinois University

• Sandra Watkins