The Role of School Management in Fostering Creativity and Critical Thinking among Elementary School Students: A Case Study

Abstract

This study examined the role of school management in fostering creativity and critical thinking among elementary school students at SD Islam Nurul Iman, Parung. The study was conducted to address the limited development of higher-order thinking skills due to constraints in managerial capacity and lack of systemic support at the school level. A qualitative case study design was employed, involving the principal, teachers, and students as key informants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that school management contributed significantly to the development of creativity and critical thinking through four main dimensions: instructional leadership, curriculum innovation, collaborative school culture, and a supportive learning environment. Instructional leadership improved teachers’ pedagogical practices, while curriculum innovation promoted student-centered and project-based learning. A collaborative culture and a supportive environment encouraged active participation and critical dialogue among students. The study concluded that integrative and adaptive school management played a crucial role in developing students’ higher-order thinking skills. These findings provided practical implications for improving the quality of elementary education.