Ph.D. Student in Educational Management, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran. & kordestan Uneversity
Abstract: (20 Views)
The present study aimed to examine the relationship between learning-centered leadership and research motivation in primary schools in Shahriyar County during the 2023-2024 academic year. This research was designed as a mixed-methods study (quantitative-qualitative), with the quantitative phase focusing on primary school teachers and the qualitative phase involving school principals. A total of 351 teachers were selected through cluster sampling, and 15 principals were chosen through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, t-tests, and structural equation modeling. In the qualitative phase, data were analyzed through coding and categorization. The quantitative results indicated that both learning-centered leadership and research motivation among teachers were in favorable conditions, with a significant positive relationship between learning-centered leadership practices by school principals and teachers’ intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. However, no significant relationship was found between learning-centered leadership and the prevention of failure. In the qualitative phase, leadership strategies for learning-centered leadership included enthusiasm-building, support, and collaboration for learning. The challenges identified were bureaucracy, ineffective leadership, social and economic issues, and motivational and educational problems. The outcomes of implementation included transformative learning, applied research, and the development of specialized skills. In conclusion, the findings of this study demonstrate that learning-centered leadership plays a critical role in enhancing research motivation. Identifying the challenges, strategies, and outcomes associated with this type of leadership can contribute to the improvement of policies and educational programs in primary schools.