A phenomenological study of principals as they anticipate the future of education
Rasi, Mark (2018)
Rasi, Mark
Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu
2018
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018120520205
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018120520205
Tiivistelmä
This study explores the experience of three high school principals in South-East Queensland, Australia, as they anticipate the future of education. This research provides insights into the thoughts, planning, decisions and experience of the principals selected. These insights were gained by engaging in a phenomenological study.
Principals are faced with many challenges and one of these is anticipating and leading their schools into the future. Principals may attempt to prepare for the future by observing and interpreting trends. Futurists propose that having a future-oriented mindset can help principals to navigate their complex and rapidly changing environment.
The study found that while principals are anticipating what the future will look like, what they are anticipating and how they are responding is different. Their decisions and actions differ according to what vision they have for the future or what vision they have of the future. Additionally, each principal in the study has a different leadership focus and style.
The future of education according to the principals in this study is one that will develop in an evolutionary manner rather than in a rapid or transformational way. Schools will become more flexible in how they deliver their educational programs. The curriculum that is delivered will change, but the principals in the study are not in agreement with regards to what these changes will be. The principals in this study will continue to struggle with what they see as the purpose of education. They expect the struggle to be one that requires them to balance their own beliefs with the expectations of their school community, society and the state. The greatest expectation will be that schools continue to serve the established utilitarian purposes of schooling. In all these changes, technology will play an important role.
The study recommends that current and emerging principals reflect on their own practice and that of others to develop their leadership capacity. The findings provided an insight into the lifeworlds of current principals. The discussions presented implications for current and future leaders that provide the opportunity for reflection and meaning making.
Principals are faced with many challenges and one of these is anticipating and leading their schools into the future. Principals may attempt to prepare for the future by observing and interpreting trends. Futurists propose that having a future-oriented mindset can help principals to navigate their complex and rapidly changing environment.
The study found that while principals are anticipating what the future will look like, what they are anticipating and how they are responding is different. Their decisions and actions differ according to what vision they have for the future or what vision they have of the future. Additionally, each principal in the study has a different leadership focus and style.
The future of education according to the principals in this study is one that will develop in an evolutionary manner rather than in a rapid or transformational way. Schools will become more flexible in how they deliver their educational programs. The curriculum that is delivered will change, but the principals in the study are not in agreement with regards to what these changes will be. The principals in this study will continue to struggle with what they see as the purpose of education. They expect the struggle to be one that requires them to balance their own beliefs with the expectations of their school community, society and the state. The greatest expectation will be that schools continue to serve the established utilitarian purposes of schooling. In all these changes, technology will play an important role.
The study recommends that current and emerging principals reflect on their own practice and that of others to develop their leadership capacity. The findings provided an insight into the lifeworlds of current principals. The discussions presented implications for current and future leaders that provide the opportunity for reflection and meaning making.