By: Syakila Roudotul Zannah/Student of FTK UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung Class 5/C
Introduction
In the modern era, education faces complexities that demand evidence-based solutions, not just intuition. The assumption that experience or tradition alone is sufficient to manage educational institutions is often ineffective. The gap between sporadically made policies and actual data in the field raises significant problems in educational management. Therefore, a more structured and scientific approach is needed. For this reason, educational management research is crucial. This material aims to comprehensively explain the meaning, nature, function, advantages, and differences between educational management research and other types of studies. With this in-depth understanding, it is hoped that practitioners and policymakers can make more strategic, solution-oriented decisions that have a positive impact on the future of education.
Meaning and Nature of Educational Management Research
Educational management research is a systematic scientific process with dual objectives: to develop knowledge and to support practical decision-making. Unlike ordinary observation, this research is structured, focuses on management issues such as leadership and curriculum, and produces evidence-based policies rather than mere intuition. With its systematic, logical, and empirical characteristics, this research is accountable and plays a crucial role in providing accurate data to help leaders identify problems. This ensures that every decision made is focused, scientific, solution-oriented, and has academic legitimacy.
Functions of Educational Management Research
Educational management research has four main functions. Theoretically, research develops and enriches knowledge and theories of educational management to keep them relevant to the dynamics of the times. Its practical function is to solve real problems in educational institutions by formulating effective solutions based on field data. In addition, the policy function of research provides a scientific basis for decision-making and strategic planning, ensuring evidence-based educational policies. Finally, academically, research trains students' scientific and critical abilities, and contributes to the collective literature and knowledge.
Advantages of Educational Management Research
Educational management research has several key advantages. First, research produces valid, objective, and measurable data, thereby reducing subjectivity in policy evaluation. By providing a scientific basis, research also helps reduce decision bias, ensuring that strategic choices are based on evidence rather than intuition. In addition, research provides scientific evidence for innovation, so that new policies and programs can be accountable and tested. Finally, solutions found from research can be retested, ensuring that findings are consistent and valid for the development of sustainable practices.
Other Similar Types of Studies Educational Management Research
