Techno-Social Pathology of Smart Elementary Schools for Girls in Qom from Teachers’ Perspective

Techno-Social Pathology of Smart Elementary Schools for Girls in Qom from Teachers’ Perspective*   N. Naderi-Beni, Ph.D.** H. Khanifar, Ph.D.*** A. Ghofraani****    The importance of schooling in shaping the future of the society requires continuous evaluation/surveys and identification of shortcomings, especially in the newly invented smart schools. To engage in such a pathology the Techno-Social Model, wherein not only the structures are considered, but socio-cultural dimensions are also reviewed, was deemed appropriate. From among 210 teachers working in smart elementary schools for girls in Qom, a categorical sample of 132 teachers was selected from all districts. A questionnaire of acceptable validity with the internal consistency of 0.98 was constructed and used to collect data. Data analyses revealed that in the respondents’ opinion, the techno-structural aspects of smart schools in Qom score below average, while the cultural-administrative dimensions score at the average level showing defect in all five constituents. According to the participating teachers, there is a significant gap between the current state and the desired one, in regard to this type of school. Increasing and updating instructional tools, as well as the awareness of both teachers and parents in this regard are recommended.   Keywords: pathology, smart school, techno-social system, administration    _____________________ Date received: May 6, 2017                     Date accepted: May 19, 2018 * Extracted from a Master’s thesis. ** Asstistant Professor in Management & Accounting., Farabi Campus, University of Tehran (Corresponding Author): [email protected] *** Professor  in Management and Accounting, Farabi Campus, University of Tehran. [email protected] **** M.A. in Educational Administration, Farabi Campus, University of Tehran. [email protected]