Ahmad Zabidi Abdul Razak
Doctor of Philosophy, (Education)
Study Completed: 2013
College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Citation
Thesis Title
Learning about teachers' resilience: Perceptions, challenges and strategies of policy implementation in two secondary schools in Malaysia
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Teachers’ resilience is important for ensuring the success of educational policy changes. Mr Abdul Razak investigated educational leadership practices that aim to ensure teachers continue to be resilient when facing the challenges posed during the implementation of new national education policies. A total of 46 participants (16 members of the Senior Management Team [SMT], 24 teachers, and 6 Parent Teacher Association [PTA] members) were interviewed in two secondary schools in Malaysia. All participants claimed that educational leaders (represented by the SMT) played the main role in assisting teachers to face challenges and, indirectly, sustain their resilience. Educational leaders used five approaches: they provided a congenial working environment, eased the burden for teachers, provided encouraging monitoring, showed continuing appreciation, and promoted school success. In addition, teachers’ inner strength, the role of PTA members, colleagues’ collegiality, and the location of teachers’ schools in their hometown assisted teachers to sustain their resilience.
Supervisors
Dr Marian Court
Professor John O'Neill