Research In Educational Management

Foreword 

The phenomenon of complexity in education management today has given rise to various challenges that require research-based solutions. The assumption that intuition alone can solve educational problems has proven to be ineffective. The gap between management theory and practice in the field is widening, while issues of teacher motivation and curriculum effectiveness continue to arise. This paper aims to examine the nature of educational management research as a systematic instrument to bridge this gap. Through a deep understanding of the functions and advantages of research, it is hoped that a real contribution can be made to the development of a sustainable education system.

First: Research means "to seek again" and is a planned process to discover, test, and develop knowledge. In educational management, research serves to build theory and provide practical solutions for institutional management. Unlike observation, which is only descriptive in nature, research is conducted systematically, logically, and based on empirical data so that it can trace the root of the problem and become the basis for making the right decisions.

Second     : Research has four main functions:

1)    Theoretical: enriching knowledge, challenging old theories, and adapting theories to local contexts.

2)    Practical: solving real problems in schools, such as low teacher motivation or curriculum effectiveness.

3)    Policy: forming the basis for strategy formulation through evidence-based policy so that decisions are more targeted.

4)Academic: training students to apply scientific methods in their theses and dissertations, while fostering a tradition of research.

With these functions, research becomes a bridge between theory, practice, and policy. 

Third     : Research is superior because it provides objective, measurable, and 

replicable empirical data. Compared to intuition or opinion, research is more reliable. Its main advantages are:

1)    It provides objective data that can be accounted for.

2)    It reduces bias in decision making.

3)    It provides a scientific basis for innovation and policy.

4)Produces solutions that can be replicated in different contexts.

With these advantages, research is an irreplaceable instrument for building an adaptive and sustainable education system.

Fourth : In addition to research, there are other studies that are often used:

1)    Evaluation Studies: assess the effectiveness of programs based on the achievement of objectives.

2)    Literature Reviews: analyze literature to find research gaps.

3)Non-research Case Studies & Scientific Essays: describe real phenomena narratively or argumentatively.

Although useful, these studies do not produce new knowledge, but rather complement research to make the analysis more comprehensive.

Natizah: Educational management research is the foundation for the development of science and practice. It provides theories, solutions, and evidence-based policy foundations. With objectivity and replication, research ensures that education is adaptive, accountable, and globally competitive.

This article is summarized from the teaching module of Research Methods Course Part 2, taught by Prof. DR. H, A Rusdiana, MM.