Stakeholders’ perception on the impact of private schools on the educational process in Kurdistan region of Iraq

Abstract

The interest in, desire for, and quantity of private schools in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (the KRI) has substantially increased in the last decade. However, despite their rise in number, there exists a scarcity of research investigating the situation of private schools in the KRI. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate stakeholders’ perceptions of the impact of private schools on the educational process. Additionally, the social education theories: functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interaction, are embedded to obtain an in-depth analysis, leading to a comprehensible picture of the impact of private schools on the community. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were obtained from three state and three private schools in Erbil, the capital of the KRI. Quantitative data were obtained via questionnaires from 150 grade twelve students and 42 teachers, and qualitative data were gathered via semi-structured interviews with six welfare managers and six school managers. Documentation and archive records were also collected from the selected schools and the Ministry of Education. Management and organisation were found to be different between private and state schools, with private schools having more flexibility over control, curriculum, and admissions. Factors such as crowded classrooms, a lack of teachers and teaching aids, and traditional teaching methods have generated negative state school perceptions and a stronger preference for private schools. The selected stakeholders perceived that families chose private schools due to different household backgrounds and preferences. They also perceived that private schools cause dissociation from society and generate educational, social, and gender inequality. Additionally, private school students were believed to achieve higher exam results and more university admissions, and yet their families faced increased financial constraints. This study makes its main contribution by serving as one of few and foremost research examining private schools in Kurdistan. Performing as an initiator for future researchers to expand upon.