Wendy Fasso

Distributed leadership of school curriculum change: an integrative approach

ABSTRACT Since its inception in 1999, the distributed leadership framework of Spillane, Halverson, and Diamond [2004. “Towards a Theory of Leadership Practice: A Distributed Perspective.” Journal of Curriculum Studies 36 (1): 3–34. doi:10.1080/0022027032000106726] has supported research into leadership and change in schools. Whilst the conceptual integrity of the framework is sound, research based upon its premises has attracted some criticism. The research has had a narrowed focus which has not generally reflected the inseparability of the elements of the framework and the situation within which leadership is enacted. In addition, it often fails to account for the complexity of critical elements of the environment such as micropolitics. This position paper proposes a reconfiguration of the distributed leadership framework as a research framework in response to this critique. The paper asserts that this new perspective that is presented is able to respond to the critique through an integrated approach that encompasses situation, social distribution and task enactment and which supports an integrated approach to research methodology. This adapted framework has the potential to more fully support research design that is actuality holistic and embedded in the context.

A Learner-Centered Design Framework for E-Learning

This paper presents a design framework for online learning. The framework is based upon the taxonomy devised by Dettmer (2006). In a learner-centered focus, it draws together the cognitive, affective, social, and sensorimotor domains of learning, and is situated with the concept of online personal learning spaces and environments. It is at this intersection of learning domains that the graduate attributes and general capabilities of students are able to be intentionally supported and demonstrated. The proposed framework draws on recognized theory, principles, and practical considerations of contemporary online learning to clarify considerations of the learning outcomes, learning processes and learner performance when designing online learning that is mediated by education technology. This integrative approach will support mentored, reflective learning design and design-based research aimed at improving both the experience and outcomes of online students. The paper contends that this framework presents a useful design that reflects the nature of contemporary online learning environments.

Navigating, Negotiating and Nullifying Contradictions in the Research Around School Curriculum Change

Effective change management in the twenty-first century within the schooling sector relies on many factors including professional learning and the development of relationships in complex cultures. From a research viewpoint, understanding such complex cultures requires considered methodological choices to explore the richness of multiple realities in qualitative study. Social network analysis provides a tool to navigate complex data sets and link them to develop a greater understanding of the interactions and flow of knowledge within an organisation. This chapter applies social network analysis in a qualitative case study to explore the roles and influences of individuals and their behaviour in a multifarious environment responding to change.