Social-Based Learning and Leadership (SBL): Theory Development and a Qualitative Case Study
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe paper presents a qualitative study on applying the Social-Based Learning and Leadership method in a school in Israel. They show promising results in reducing violence and indiscipline.
When we analyzed the title, we had difficulty understanding the use of the words "and a", while the terms "of a" perhaps make more sense.
The paper does not have an introduction to contextualize the problem and explain how it is organized. We recommend that the authors add this introduction.
Regarding methodology, semi-structured interviews and interviews are mentioned, but how were they structured? What are the main questions?
Nor is the sample characterized, we only know that the school has 550 pupils and 40 teaching staff. Were all the teachers interviewed? Which classes were observed? What was the average age?
We also recommend proofreading the text, as there are lines where the space between two words is longer than usual.
Author Response
Please see the attached response letter.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe topic is interesting but the manuscript has a number of drawbacks:
1. The majority of scientific manuscripts have the Introduction as the opening section. Authors need to have an Introduction and state the problem, goal, possible hypothesis, structure, and main contribution.
2. The second section should be a Literature review or theoretical background. Authors need to provide analysis of the state-of-the-art contribution in the field of their interest as well as to place their research in a global field.
3. The third solution should be Methods. Authors need to present the used methods and all necessary data.
4. After that, the authors could present the Case study and results.
5. The Section Case study is poor.
6. The conclusion has to be re-written.
In the first place, the manuscript needs to improve its structure. They need to have a proper structure Introduction (problem, goal, contribution), Literature review (state-of-the-art in the field, and to place their research). The Case study section needs more relevant data. In conclusion, they need to state the contributions, limitations, implications, future research. Right now it is more like a conference paper than a journal manuscript.
Proof reading.
Author Response
Please see the attached response letter.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the effectiveness of Social-Based Learning and Leadership (SBL) as an innovative pedagogical approach that has become a tool for changing the school environment. The need to undertake research and the choice of the supported approach as its subject is convincingly justified. I suggest that the abstract or introduction clearly state the purpose of the article. Both the assumptions of the theory and the stages of implementation of the intervention program, as well as the process of changing the culture of the school, are comprehensively described. This precision of description will allow the content to be used as an interesting proposal for discussion and implementation in international context. The program is comprehensive, using recognized strategies for shaping the dynamics of social relations of the school as an inclusive environment, conducive to the acquisition of social competence by all its members.
The research method and study design are described in detail. In qualitative research, especially using grounded theory, it is not necessary to formulate research questions. I understand that this approach was taken by the authors . The analysis of the inteviews carried out with various actors of school life, combined with the results of observations, gives a comprehensive and multifaceted picture of the changes that have occurred in the school in connection with the implementation of the SBL approach. I read the analysis with great interest. Conducting comparative studies in other countries will certainly increase the reach of the method. The literature list is comprehensive and representative. Thank you for the opportunity to review this paper.
Author Response
Please see the attached response letter.
Reviewer 4 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors1.What is the main question addressed by the research?
-The main question of this article is if the Social-Based Learning and Leadership (SBL) Method can be applied and if it has a positive impact on the pupil/students - profesor relationship SBL fostre the pro-environmentalism and sustainable behavior enphasinzing the responsibility toward others Due to this method the teachers obtained recognition as meaningful adults from their students, and get impied in supportive and connected school community, associating with colleagues and parents
2. Do you consider the topic original or relevant in the field? Does it address a specific gap in the field?
-I consider this topic rather original, especialy because that it was applied in order to solve the consequences of pandemic COVID episode. The authors and teachers seems to apply it with succes in their small comunity. I think that the method can be aplied only on small comunities that have a very specific goal and very tight comun interest. But if many small comunities apply this method, step by step, the main susteinable goals of education might be reached.
3. What does it add to the subject area compared with other published material? -As I now there are no many studies that assume this problem, after the pandemic episode.
4. What specific improvements should the authors consider regarding the methodology? What further controls should be considered?
-I would recommend the authors to initiate a further quantitative analysis as to further understand the subject
5. Are the conclusions consistent with the evidence and arguments presented and do they address the main question posed?
-I condider that the conclusions and references are appropriate, but the sample is too small.
6. Are the references appropriate?
7. Please include any additional comments on the tables and figures. The paper do not include tables and figures.
Author Response
Please see the attached response letter.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThank you for answering the issues I have mentioned.
I therefore consider that the article can be published.
Author Response
Thank you for endorsing our paper for publication and for the time and effort you put into helping us improve the manuscript.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsAuthors followed all recommendations.
Author Response
Thank you for the helpful feedback and the recognition that we addressed your previous comments. They were very helpful in improving the paper.
