Dimensions of Schools’ Characteristics for Promoting their Internal Efficiency
Abstract
School’s efficiency depends on the availability and utilization of facilities and addressing the learning needs of the students. The internal efficiency is determined through assessment based on performance of students and taking into consideration a number of factors and inputs. The internally efficient schools demonstrate characteristics that are correlated to their success and are within the domain of school administration to manipulate. School size is ultimately linked to the students’ learning outcomes, because in overcrowded classrooms more and acute discipline problems arise. Students’ sense of belongingness decreases as school size increases. Moreover only a few students are benefitted from co-curricular activities in larger schools. An efficient programme of facilities, equipment and technology requires a comprehensive plan for the orderly growth and improvement of school. For this purpose the physical plant needs of the community and the resources could be determined, which can be marshaled to meet those needs. An environment of respect is essential among parents, students, and teachers for their involvement in school based-activities. This tradition is ensured when they are familiar to each other. This culture is more visible in smaller schools. Principals in small schools depend more on verbal communications and have more meetings with parents as compared to principals in large schools, which increase the internal efficiency of schools.