THE SELF DETERMINATION OF THE VOCATIONAL SCHOOL’S PRINCIPALS IN IMPROVING THE GRADUATES’ COMPETENCES

This study aimed at investigating the role of self determination of the vocational school’s principals in
improving the graduates’ competences, as well as factors that might influence such self determination.
The self determination of a vocational school’s principal is a core component for a study because a
principal with strong self determination will tend to work hard in order to achieve the visions and
missions of the vocational school. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics over 110
respondents who were sampled randomly from the total of 154 principals of vocational schools in
Medan. The findings of the study indicate that the self determination of the vocational school’s
principals is categorized as good. Meanwhile, factors which might contribute to the construction of
such self determination are as follows: 1) they are determined to work hard until they achieve the
goals, 2) they are highly initiative in solving problems, 3) they are humble, 4) they can control and
manage all things for completing their duty, and 5) they can cope with stress. The attempt that the
principals made in improving their graduates’ competences is by providing follow-ups to the results of
supervisions in order to improve the learning. Also, improving their diligence in solving problems by
initiating new ideas, and improving the determination to work hard by developing the willing to solve
problems which might occur in school and by not putting off any responsibilities, as well as by
appreciating other people’s contribution are the kinds of success they have achieved in improving their
attempts to improve their graduates’ competences