The Influence of Instructional Leadership Behaviours of School Heads on Teachers' Instructional Practices in Primary Schools in Muzarabani District

Abstract

The school's effectiveness increases when the school head prioritises teaching and learning, dedicating significant time to academic programmes and inspiring teaching staff. Effective instructional leadership is known to enhance educational outcomes and yet its application in resource-constrained primary schools in rural districts in Zimbabwe remains underexplored. There is a notable gap in literature that scrutinises the influence of instructional leadership behaviours of school heads on the instructional practices of primary school teachers in rural districts of Zimbabwe. Addressing this gap is crucial for providing significant insights into the influence of instructional leadership behaviours of school heads on teachers' instructional practices in primary schools in rural districts. This study therefore explores the influence of instructional leadership behaviours of school heads on teachers' instructional practices in primary schools within Muzarabani District. The study employs a qualitative research approach through a case study to collect data using semi structured interviews. The participants were primary school heads and teachers selected by means of purposive sampling from five primary schools in Muzarabani district. The findings reveal that school heads' instructional leadership behaviours, such as setting clear instructional goals, providing support and fostering a collaborative culture, significantly influence teachers’ adoption of innovative teaching strategies and practices. Despite these positive influences, barriers including limited resources, time constraints and inadequate professional development opportunities hinder the effectiveness of instructional leadership. The study concludes that school heads who prioritise the development and demonstration of instructional leadership behaviours in their schools can enhance the instructional practices of their teachers in the primary schools. This research contributes to the field of educational leadership by offering insights into the specific challenges and opportunities of instructional leadership in a rural context, providing actionable recommendations for enhancing leadership practices in similar settings.