English abstract
This study aims to describe the experiences and practices of the study participants in the field of professional self development and to identify the factors that allow participants to develop themselves professionally in order to deeply understand the professional self development process and the factors that affect this process. The study participants consists of a group of 7 principals from 7 different basic education schools in Sharqia North region; 4 male principals and 3 female principals.
This group was chosen intentionally as they are known to be successful in the field of professional self development and school leadership and management.
For the purpose of achieving the study aims, the researcher studied and analyzed some literatures about professional self development. Furthermore, the researcher designed a semi-structural interviews as the study instrument consists of three main domains: the academic, cultural and professional backgrounds of the participants; the experiences and practices of the participants in the professional self development; and the practice of the reflective thinking among the participants. The data resulted from the interview was analyzed using a computerized program that is special for analyzing qualitative data called "Nvivo".
The results of the study were as follow: The professional self development is considered strategy of success for the participants of this study. The participants agreed that there were some factors which lead: them to practice the professional self development and those factors are : the use of reflective thinking, the positive way of dealing with issues related to the professional self development, the profession, the individuals, and the society. Motivation appeared to be the other factor that made the participants more enthusiastic towards practicing the professional self development.. That motivation was easy to be recognized with the participants as they were eager to put themselves as modals in the professional self development and the encouragement they gave to the staff of their organization. The different sources of the motivation among the participants are the high self-esteem, the satisfaction, the social and cultural backgrounds and the organizational factors.
In addition, the participants' influence on people around them can enhance the motivation more. This influence can be in providing the suitable environment and the systematic culture in their schools as they believe that culture and believes have crucial role in developing the stuffs as well as the principals' performance.
On the other hand the researcher -through the interviews- figured out obstacles that may hinder the process of professional self development. The main obstacle was the lack of time as the pressure the participants have in their own work may be the reason.
The study concludes with recommending the expansion of professional self development culture among school principals.
