School cultures

Abstract

All of us have had experience of the process of schooling because we have all spent the best years of our childhood and adolescence in educational institutions. That experience, undoubtedly, has left memories and images of specific places, characters and situations many of which, perhaps with a little effort, can be easily recalled and talked about. All of these can be seen as manifestations of an institutional culture which cumulatively constitute the complex pattern of life in a school. The assumption, of course, is that it is important for teachers to get to know about and understand this culture. And, this is for a number of reasons. First of all, a knowledge of the school's culture helps them gain insights into and develop an understanding of the context of practice. Secondly, it will become easier for them to socialize themselves into the culture of the school and thereby their integration within the school will be facilitated. Thirdly, it will enhance their identity and, as a consequence, help them acquire more confidence, as professional practitioners. Fourthly, their professional competencies will be developed more effectively. And finally, through a reflective exercise, they will be able to understand the process of educational change at the institutional level.