A study on the dynamics of parent satisfaction and student academic achievement at schools using system dynamics modeling

Education is dynamic and complex system. Many parameters are interrelated independently. Student Academic Achievement is an important outcome. But, to evaluate causes behind achievement and school satisfaction have always been conflicting process for educationalists and school administration. System dynamics is suitable for this research because it emphasizes multi-loop character of education system. It is powerful tool that can make future predictions for complex systems. Group model building was implemented among twenty managers to use the most important parameters in the model. The aim of this study is to develop a system dynamics simulation tool that could be used by school administrators to increase effectiveness of school. This study covers effects of student, parent, teacher and school sectors on student academic achievement. A wide literature review was made over effects of parent, teacher, student and school sectors on student academic achievement. Causal loops for each sector were drawn. Only teacher and parent sectors were considered for drawing stock-flow diagrams. Four stocks were formed. To test the model, direct structure and structure-oriented behavior tests have been implemented. After simulation and multivariate sensitivity analysis, parameter effects are same as they are in real life. Parent and Teacher parameters have strong effect on student academic achievement as found in literature and observed in real life. Parent Involvement is key stock to increase student academic achievement. In the future, researchers may focus on how to create effective school organization and satisfy its clients from system perspective. Educational researchers may focus on curriculum development using system dynamics modeling.