AMALAN TERBAIK PENGETUA CEMERLANG DALAM MENINGKATKAN MINAT MEMBACA PELAJAR

Abstract

This study aims to identify the best practices implemented by four Excellent Principals who have won wide recognition in reading activities. This qualitative research used purposive sampling. The sample consisted of four Excellent Principals and four State Educational Technology officers. Qualitative data was collected through semistructured interviews and later analised using the content analysis method. The ATLAS.ti software was used to determine the themes and subthemes, and to further answer the research questions. Murphy’s Reading-based Leadership Function (2004) served as a theoretical framework. The study found that there were ten leading practices adopted by the principals, i.e. 1) emphasised reading as priority, 2) developed quality reading programmes, 3) created a reading environment, 4) established a comprehensive reading system, 5) believed that all students could read, 6) supported teachers to carry out activities, 7) developed leadership capacities, 8) implemented performance assessment and monitoring, 9) nurtured relationships with student and 10) held activities with PTA. Data also showed that all the principals involved in the study acted as problem solvers, were knowledgeable in reading, were the driving force behind the teachers and students as well as became their role models. Input from this study can be used as guidance for principals to implement reading programmes in schools more effectively. The researchers suggest that further in-depth study related to practices by principals to improve reading in schools be conducted using qualitative and quantitative approaches, especially in the context of the local education system in order to increase schoolchildren's interest in reading.