On the other side of the table: Lessons from the administrator-cum-adult learner

• Main Authors: Ibrahim, Abu Bakar, Abd Majid, Faizah
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2007
• Subjects: LC Special aspects of education
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/1611/1/ON_THE_OTHER_SIDE_OF_THE_TABLES....pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/1611/

This paper addresses the issue on the changing management and leadership roles of the school administrators as they participate in a tertiary learning program as adult learners. In the attempt to investigate the issue, a research using a self-developed questionnaire was distributed to a group of 36 headmasters/mistresses who were enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in one of the local public universities. In specific, the investigation sought to discover the management and leadership challenges the respondents faced as adult learners participating in the tertiary learning program on a modular basis. Additionally, their strategies in coping with the reported challenges were sought. It was anticipated that the findings would lead to a better understanding of the adult learners who play two distinguished roles concurrently. The added value of this investigation is seen from the potential of discovering the administrators’ self- concept as both the administrator and adult learner. On top of that, it also uncovered the respondents’ attitudes towards learning and their ability to adapt in a new environment which also comprised the traditional learners. The findings of the investigation brought about various implications on the training of school administrators and adult education since the findings could help to illuminate the pattern in the school administrator-cum-adult learner’s educational management and leadership as they play the role of an administrator and adult learner.