The Characteristics of Desirable Schools from the Beneficiaries’ Point of View: Sixth Grade Students and their Parents (Case Study: Ardabil Primary Schools)

Abstract

Today, all families look for good schools to enroll their children in. A desirable school is the one whose dimensions and components, including human resources, space, equipment, technology and educational programs, have the desired characteristics of the beneficiaries. The aim of this study was to identify the dimensions, components and characteristics of the desirable school from the point of view of beneficiaries (sixth grade students and their parents) in Ardabil primary schools. The study was undertaken using qualitative research method via focus groups and semi-structured interviews. The statistical population of the study comprised 6th grade elementary school students in Ardabil and their parents in school year 2018-19. A sample of 64 individuals was drawn via purposive sampling method in the form of 8 groups including 6th graders (16 boys and 16 girls) and their parents (16 mothers and 16 fathers). The sample adequacy threshold was theoretical and informational saturation. The research instrument was in-depth interview technique in which the focus groups were interviewed in groups of 8 and answered questions about the characteristics of desirable schools (characteristics and competencies of the principal, teachers, staff, students, parents, space, educational tools, and educational programs). The validity and reliability of the results were confirmed by experts. The data were analyzed based on open, axial, and selective coding. The results revealed that the desirable school has 6 dimensions, 16 components, and 169 characteristics. Based on the findings, the conceptual model of the desirable school was obtained.

Keywords

• desirable school
• beneficiaries
• focus groups
• characteristic