| Abstract [eng] |
The topic of this master thesis is "Community Involvement in the Image Shaping of Educational Institutions". The main objective of the thesis is to identify community engagement tools that would help to enhance the image of educational institutions and promote active community participation. The theoretical part of the thesis discusses the concept of community involvement and analyses the community groups of the educational institution - students, parents, teachers and administration. It discusses the main factors that promote community involvement, such as peer-to-peer communication and value creation. A conceptual model is presented which highlights the relationship between community involvement and the image of the educational institution. The empirical part of the paper presents the results of the empirical study. The research was carried out in general education schools in Panevėžys. The study used questionnaire survey and interview methods to assess the opinions of students, parents, teachers and school managers on community involvement. The aim of these methods was not only to collect data on existing practices, but also to identify concrete measures to promote community involvement. Firstly, the theoretical literature was used to identify possible tools for community involvement, such as events, self-management strengthening and communication strategies. These tools were then tested empirically by asking participants in questionnaires and interviews whether and how they are being put into practice, what results are being achieved, and what barriers are hindering their effective implementation. The survey showed that the involvement of pupils and parents in school activities is mostly limited to traditional forms such as organising events, self-management activities and general discussions. Teachers and administrators stressed the importance of communication, fostering partnerships with the community and supporting initiatives, but pointed to the need to improve community involvement. The results of the survey showed that the most frequently mentioned community involvement measures were: organising events and joint projects, strengthening student self-government, parental cooperation through councils and improving the communication strategy. The importance of social networks and modern information technologies in disseminating information about the school's activities and shaping its image was also highlighted. The findings of the paper confirmed that community involvement is a necessary factor in creating a positive image of an educational institution. This process not only increases the loyalty of community members, but also contributes to improving student achievement and the school's reputation in society. Based on the study, recommendations for schools include promoting active engagement with all community groups, using modern communication tools and involving the community in decision-making processes. This work shows that community involvement, when managed in a consistent and targeted way, can be an important tool for enhancing the image and success of educational institutions. |
