By Taufiqur Rahman (1232010140) 5th Semester/D Student of Islamic Education Management Department, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Bachelor Level, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung
Introduction, This paper aims to briefly yet in-depthly explain the paradigms, axioms, and specific concepts in educational management research. Understanding these aspects is crucial for students and researchers to select appropriate research methods, aligned with the objectives and nature of the problem being studied. Paradigms and axioms are not merely theories, but rather philosophical foundations that determine researchers' perspectives on reality, data, and the meaning of research results. By understanding this philosophical basis for research, research in educational management will be more focused, systematic, and relevant to the needs of modern education.
First, a research paradigm is a framework of thought that serves as the basis for understanding reality and determining the direction of research. In quantitative research, the paradigm is rooted in positivism, which views reality as objective, measurable, and separate from the researcher. In contrast, qualitative research is based on constructivism, which views reality as plural, dynamic, and shaped by social interactions. This paradigm influences how researchers collect data, analyze it, and interpret research results. In the context of educational management, the paradigm determines how phenomena such as leadership effectiveness, school organizational culture, or teacher performance are understood.
Second, research axioms are a set of basic assumptions that serve as the philosophical foundation of research. These axioms encompass three main aspects: Ontology, namely the view of the nature of reality. Quantitative research assumes a single and stable reality, while qualitative research considers reality to be plural and changing. Epistemology, namely the relationship between the researcher and the research object. Quantitative research positions the researcher as neutral and separate from the object, while qualitative research positions the researcher as part of the research process.Axiology, namely the values in research. Quantitative research strives to be value-free, while qualitative research recognizes that the researcher's values and perspectives influence the research results. The differences between these three aspects make quantitative research results generalizable, while qualitative research results are more in-depth and contextual.
Third, specific research concepts also differ between these two approaches. Quantitative research focuses on variables, hypotheses, standardized instruments, and statistical analysis to answer the questions "how much" or "how large" a phenomenon is. Qualitative research, on the other hand, emphasizes participants, meaning, context, and data triangulation to answer the questions "why" and "how." These two approaches complement each other, as quantitative provides an objective and measurable picture, while qualitative provides a deeper understanding of educational realities.
Fourth, the implications for educational management are very real. Quantitative research is widely used to evaluate program effectiveness, measure teacher job satisfaction, or analyze the relationship between motivation and performance. Meanwhile, qualitative research is used to understand principals' leadership styles, work culture, and the subjective experiences of educators and students. A mixed-methods approach bridges the gap, combining the strengths of both to make research results more comprehensive, factual, and meaningful for educational development in the field.
Paradigms and axioms are the philosophical foundations that shape researchers' perspectives on reality and the research process. Quantitative research emphasizes objective measurement and generalization, while qualitative research emphasizes meaning, context, and human experience. In educational management, the two complement each other. Quantitative research provides data-driven policy direction, while qualitative research enriches understanding of human dynamics within the education system. By understanding both, researchers can produce scientific work that is not only accurate but also relevant to the real needs of the educational world.
CURRICULUM VITAEÂ
Taufiqur Rahman, lahir di Kota Bandung pada tanggal 05 Januari 2004, merupakan anak kedua dari pasangan Bapak Adang Sudiana dengan Ibu Ratana Suryani
Alamat Tempat Tinggal:Â Kp. Sukamanah RT 003 RW 004 Desa. Bojongkunci Kecamatan. Pameungpeuk. Kabupanten Bandung, Provinsi Jawa Barat.
