Aims

The module is available to students with an interest in practitioner investigation in order to improve leadership practice at any level of the educational organisation;

To develop knowledge and skills in educational leadership to conduct small scale investigations into leadership practice;

To be familiar with a range of research methods and be able to evaluate their appropriateness;

To promote critical engagement with research and evidence as an integral part of professional development.

The quality of leadership at all levels of educational organisations is currently a key concern. This module is designed to deepen students’ knowledge of educational leadership issues within their own work context. Using a workshop approach, educational leadership and management theory will be used to underpin the students’ design of a small-scale investigation at their own place of work, to enable them to understand and improve leadership practice. Research methodologies will be introduced and discussed, to enable appropriate research design.

Outline Of Syllabus

Day 1: Looking at educational leadership
Introduction to the module. Theories of educational leadership; managing the curriculum, leading teamwork to support learning. Identification of topics for investigation. Support for accessing further literature.

Day 2: Investigating educational leadership
Developing the investigation. Research approaches and methods. Research ethics. Analysing data. Support for developing investigation methodology and presenting the study.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The initial lecture / workshop input will provide the students with the necessary background theory, both of leadership issues and research methodology, for them to devise a small-scale investigation in their own professional context. The process of enquiry is supported through seminars to encourage individual and group learning, to address any research problems, and to promote critical engagement with the evidence collected. Supported self-study materials will be provided, together with guidance on research practice in educational contexts. Individual tutorials, and electronic support, will address the individual needs of students.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Portfolio of evidence (equivalent of 8000 words) including a literature review to support the investigation, a rationale for the methodology, a report of the investigation and a reflective commentary grounded in current theory and research.

The report of the small-scale leadership-focused investigation will demonstrate the ability to conduct and evaluate small-scale research with academic rigour and the commentary will emphasise the implications for professional development.