Implementing Educational Change Through Social Support: A Qualitative Study in Qatar

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Education Reform: International Perspectives (San Diego)

Abstract

Currently, Qatar is implementing an educational reform to enhance teaching and learning in public and private schools. The Qatar National School Accreditation significantly impacted Qatar's private schools, requiring teachers to implement various mandated educational changes. Using House's social support framework, this qualitative case study explores teachers' understandings regarding the social support they need to implement educational change at an international school in Qatar. To help teachers engage in change, findings revealed that educational leaders need to heed teacher wellbeing during educational reform, educational change should be contextualized and tailored to the needs of teachers, and social support should be offered to reduce teachers’ stress and facilitate the change process.

Authors

• Ibrahim M. Karkouti, The American University in Cairo

• Michael Romanowski, Qatar University