Proposing a Primary School Principalship Model through Positive and Negative Metaphoric Perspective

Abstract

Primary school ages are very important for the students. It is the time for most students start their formal education period. The aim of the current research is to explore the perceptions of the teachers, 4 th year initial teacher training students from education faculties, parents, vice principals and primary school principals as the key stakeholders (TSPVPPSPs) in two groups, to identify positive and negative metaphors of primary school principals and propose a primary school principalship model. Qualitative research paradigm under interpretive methodology was used in the current study. Group 1 consisted of 60 focus group members (FGMs) and Group 2 involved 60 in-dept-interviewers (IDInts). Data were collected through metaphoric perspective. The key stakeholders were asked to write in full sentences on if they would define the school principal, what positive and negative metaphor/s they would use and they were also asked to give their justifications. Interpretive approach for data collection was used and data were analyzed using content analysis method. Identified positive metaphors describe primary school principals as talented supervisors, as leaders, as the one who carries the Olympic-flame, as a negotiator and as a sensitive teddy whereas identified negative metaphors describe primary school principals as pollution, as mis-user of the rights and as a mechanical machine.