Equipping school leaders to leverage research in improving teaching and learnin
| Presenter/s: | Janet Okoko |
| School/Institution: | University of Saskatchewan |
| Type: | Research Paper |
| Keywords: | Leadership preparation and development, action research |
Abstract
The presentation will be based on research aimed at establishing context relevant ways of equipping school leaders with research competencies for improving teaching and learning. The project is an Action Research (AR) collaboration between faculty from University of Saskatchewan (Canada) and Kenyatta University (Kenya). It focuses on building capacity for research among instructors of school leadership programs and practitioners in schools . It is in response to the questions: what research competencies do teachers and school leaders need to enhance quality teaching and learning? How can practitioners be equipped with the relevant research competencies needed for leading teaching and learning?
We are collecting both qualitative and quantitative data from instructors of school leadership programs, teachers, and school leaders. Data derived from surveys, interviews, focus group discussions and workshops is providing insights for developing: (i) context specific frameworks for research that supports instructional leadership,(ii) research curriculum for school leadership programs, and (iii) professional development initiatives.
The insights from data are focusing on instructor preparation and readiness; leveraging technologies and practitioner oriented methodology to enhance school leadership. The practical and cyclic nature of AR enables the researchers to use findings from cycles to carry out relevant professional development and improve practice
Biography
Janet Okoko
Janet Mola Okoko PhD is an Associate Professor in the department of Educational Administration, College of Education, University of Saskatchewan in Canada. She is a teacher educator with experience in designing and leading local and international research projects in Canada and East Africa. Her current research focuses on school leadership preparation and development. She is currently studying school leaders’ work with migrants and leading an Action research partnership aimed at building school leaders’ research capacity for improving teaching and learning.