PES 321 Primary Education Planning, Administration and Supervision 1C
Basic concepts and definitions of administration
Administration of primary education at Federal, State, and Local Government
and school levels in Nigeria
The role of international and non-governmental organisations in finding
primary education
Community participation in primary education, education laws and national
policy on education
Definition and purpose of educational planning
Approaches to planning primary education
Problems of planning and implementation of primary education in Nigeria
Strategies for planning primary education
Definition and purpose of primary school supervision and inspection
Roles of school supervision and inspection in primary education
Problems of primary school supervision and inspection in Nigeria
Basic Concepts and Definitions of Administration in Primary Education Studies
The field of education administration is a critical aspect of primary education
studies. It plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall educational experience
and influencing the learning outcomes of students. In order to comprehend the
complexities of educational administration, it is essential to grasp the basic
concepts and definitions that form the foundation of this field. Administration in
the context of primary education refers to the management and organization
of educational institutions, including schools and school districts. It
encompasses a wide range of responsibilities that are aimed at facilitating the
smooth functioning of educational institutions and ensuring the delivery of
quality education to students. Fundamentally, educational administration
involves strategic planning, resource management, leadership, and decision-
making, all of which are geared towards creating an optimal learning
environment for students. One of the fundamental concepts in educational
administration is that of educational leadership. Educational leaders play a
crucial role in providing vision, direction, and purpose to educational
institutions. They are responsible for setting goals, formulating policies, and
creating a positive school culture that fosters learning and growth. Educational
leadership is not confined to administrative positions, as it can also be
exhibited by teachers and other staff members who demonstrate initiative and
drive positive change within the school community. Another essential concept
is that of organizational management. Educational administrators are tasked
with managing the various resources of an educational institution, including
human resources, financial resources, and physical infrastructure. Effective
organizational management involves strategic planning, resource allocation,
and creating an efficient system that supports the educational goals of the
institution. Furthermore, the concept of decision-making is integral to
educational administration. Administrators are often required to make critical
decisions that impact the overall functioning of the educational institution.
These decisions can range from policy formulation to resource allocation, and
they require a deep understanding of the educational context, as well as the
ability to anticipate and address potential challenges. In addition to
understanding the fundamental concepts of educational administration, it is
essential to be familiar with the key definitions that characterize this field. For
instance, the term "educational governance" refers to the systems and
processes through which educational institutions are managed and regulated.
It encompasses the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders,
including government bodies, school boards, and community members, in
influencing educational policies and practices. Similarly, the concept of
"educational policy" pertains to the principles and guidelines that guide the
operation of educational institutions. Educational policies address issues such
as curriculum development, student assessment, and teacher professional
development, and they play a significant role in shaping the educational
landscape. In conclusion, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the basic
concepts and definitions of administration in primary education studies is
essential for anyone aspiring to work in the field of educational administration.
By familiarizing oneself with these fundamental concepts and definitions, one
can develop a solid foundation for navigating the complexities of educational
administration and contributing to the enhancement of primary education.
