An Evaluation of Leading Teacher Learning in Secondary Schools

An Evaluation of Leading Teacher Learning in Secondary Schools

By Alexander Pallister

This essay is presented as an evaluation of leading teacher learning in secondary schools. The paper considers three key areas: (1) The role of school leaders in relation to the professional development of teachers; (2) The contribution of mentoring in relation to teacher development; and (3) The concept and value of teacher leadership in relation to coaching and learner . . .

Manama, BH
Teacher workload concerns: What are the causes and effects?

Teacher workload concerns: What are the causes and effects?

By Amrita Johal

Teachers’ workload and its impact on staff recruitment and retention are a growing concern. This essay examines the perspectives of three teachers working in a secondary school in the UK and shows how workload has impacted their careers. Through the use of email interviews, the paper aims to explore the perspectives of the individuals, providing a glimpse into . . .

Loughborough, ENG, GB
Teachers’ Perceptions of the Role of Teacher Leadership

Teachers’ Perceptions of the Role of Teacher Leadership

By Bernadette Rhodes

This case study explored the role of teacher leadership in a post-16 college in England. The study investigated (a) teachers’ conceptualisations of teacher leadership, (b) the roles, responsibilities and tasks of teacher leaders, and (c) the facilitators and inhibitors of teacher leadership. A survey approach was adopted using a web-based questionnaire. Of the 74 teachers invited, 39 teachers from 30 different subject areas . . .

Nottingham, ENG, GB
A Journey in Action Research

A Journey in Action Research

By You Chuan Teoh

Educational action research seems wonderful on paper, where teachers actively participate in developing themselves, learning from each other and trying to improve classrooms, schools, and education systems. However, in reality, the use of action research in education can be a daunting task, and depending on the education policy direction underlying its use in an education system can be anything but a wonderful experience. This essay . . .

Singapore, SG
A Reflection from the Action Research Podcast Episode 19

A Reflection from the Action Research Podcast Episode 19

By Meagan Call-Cummings

This essay is a reflection on the Action Research Podcast, Episode 19. Dr. Patricia Maguire discusses feminisms and action research. I pull out some themes and thoughts listeners may find useful. When I began to listen to this Podcast, right off, I recognized myself in Dr. Maguire’s story. As she explains it, she came to action research – or participatory action research – as did I, from involvement in the international . . .

Fairfax, VA, US
Ethics in Action Research: AR Podcast Episode 17

Ethics in Action Research: AR Podcast Episode 17

By Shikha Diwakar

This article is a review of an episode of the Action Research Podcast. In Episode 17, co-hosts Adam Stieglitz (PhD candidate) and Dr. Joe Levitan talked with Dr. Mary Brydon-Miller about some of the tricky concepts like navigating power differentials as an action researcher; conventional versus covenantal ethics; challenges within IRB and the human subject review system; ethical imperialism; and why we need a new . . .

Montréal-Est, CA
A Reflection from the Action Research Podcast Episode 16

A Reflection from the Action Research Podcast Episode 16

By Adam Stieglitz

This article is a short reflection of The Action Research Podcast episode 16 with Dr. Deborah L Schussler, where we talk about how different methodological approaches relate to action research. I reflect on this episode from three different lenses: co-host, action researcher, and podcast listener. The Action Research Podcast is a recurring (iterative) podcast meant to bring action research theory and practice to . . .

Calca, PE
Welcome to The Action Research Podcast

Welcome to The Action Research Podcast

By Adam Stieglitz; Vanessa Gold; Shikha Diwakar; Joe Levitan

The purpose of this project is to expose a new form of knowledge inquiry and dissemination through the use of podcasting. Dr. Joe Levitan and Adam Stieglitz created “The Action Research Podcast” as an attempt to push back on the standard approach to accessing meaningful knowledge, specifically in the academic realm. As co-hosts, Adam and Joe feel it . . .

Calca, PE
Power in schools: An ex-teacher returns as a researcher

Power in schools: An ex-teacher returns as a researcher

By Dave McPartlan

This writing is for teachers who are either returning to schools to conduct research or are hoping to conduct research within their own institution. I explore how my previous role may have been seen by the young people within the school and how that impacted on the young people’s perceptions of me. The aim of the writing is to reflect on my preparation to conduct qualitative research on power in a school where I . . .

Hexham, ENG, GB
Bridging the achievement gap: The educational success of African students in the U.K.

Bridging the achievement gap: The educational success of African students in the U.K.

By Henry Iberi

It is widely documented that white working-class children are underperforming academically compared to peers from ethnic minority backgrounds. Consequently, opportunities for higher education and well-regarded careers are often foreclosed for these young people. There is a perception, albeit contested, that this pattern of underperformance is rooted in . . .

Wolverhampton, ENG, GB
The Triple Jeopardy for Muslim Women in Educational Leadership

The Triple Jeopardy for Muslim Women in Educational Leadership

By Shasha Dhesi

The aim of this research is to explore real life experiences of Muslim women in education and educational leadership. It aims to promote an awareness and discussion of the unique experiences of Muslim women and highlights the discrimination and inequities that they face. It gives Muslim women a platform to voice their perceptions and experiences of . . .

Royal Leamington Spa, ENG, GB
Is staff collaboration in sharing practices deemed beneficial?

Is staff collaboration in sharing practices deemed beneficial?

By Sobia Ellahee

The project goal was to establish the need for staff collaboration, with subsequent regular staff meetings to address identified issues. The project took place at an educational centre in Dubai. An initial staff meeting was conducted to obtain ideas about collaboration and identify attitudes of colleagues towards staff collaboration, with information about the focus of the meeting emailed to staff prior to the meeting. . . .

Dubai, AE
Changing teacher perspectives: Game-based scenario writing

Changing teacher perspectives: Game-based scenario writing

By Christien Overdiep; André Koffeman

A group of Dutch teachers, as part of their Master’s programme, developed a game that allows teachers to break free from their day-to-day affairs and reflect on futures by designing scenarios about the future of their school. In this game-based approach the journey of scenario exploration is composed of seven steps: (1) choice of a theme and timeframe, (2) selection of …

Utrecht, NL
Leadership and School Effectiveness: Teachers’ Work Lives and Professionalism

Leadership and School Effectiveness: Teachers’ Work Lives and Professionalism

By Effimia Stavrea

This study explored teacher professionalism, perceptions, as well as factors that impact upon their performance and the role of leadership in the enhancement of teacher effectiveness. As the teaching profession has been through harrowing times and the recruitment and retention issue has been a major focus of public attention in the U.K., this study . . .

Oxford, ENG, GB