Researching Leadership Practice

This subject is not offered in 2013.

120 hours

Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs/online classes) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

Students must have completed at least four subjects in the Master of Instructional Leadership, including EDUC90729 Conducting Educational Research, prior to undertaking this subject.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This is the second of two subjects that Master of Instructional Leadership students complete as part of their [AQF] Capstone experience. Drawing on theory, knowledge and skills developed throughout the Master of Instructional Leadership students will implement an intervention or innovation designed to address an issue associated with instructional practice, or that will lead to improvements in teacher quality and student learning and achievement. As part of their project, students will be expected to document planning and implementation decisions, and also research the impact of the intervention on teachers and school students. The Capstone project will culminate with students synthesizing the findings of their research in a written form such as a journal article or report. A hurdle requirement for this subject is that students will also provide an oral presentation of their findings, which should incorporate a reflection on the key learnings and understandings they have gained from their studies in the Master of Instructional Leadership. This subject aligns with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership National Professional Standard for Principals.

Note: Projects will be based on a set of topics that will be introduced in ‘EDUC90729: Conducting Educational Research’.

• Carry out a substantial research-based project
• Analyze data and synthesized research findings
• Present research findings in written and verbal forms
• Produce data/findings that can be used to inform instructional leadership practices

There are three assessment tasks:

• A preliminary report equivalent to 750 words indicating project progress, due midway through the subject (15%)
• A written task equivalent to 3750 words, due at the end of the subject (75%)
• A 10-minute oral presentation on the research-based project, due at the end of the subject (10%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Apply critical thinking skills
• Apply foundational research skills to address a research question
• Demonstrate planning and time management skills
• Undertake research independently
• Demonstrate a capacity to communicate research results clearly, comprehensively and persuasively.