Understanding Self-Study
In order to understand what self-study is and negotiate the nature, purpose and processes involved in doing self-study, we need to explore our ideas about research in general and about educational structures, systems and practices. We must consider issues of professionalism and what informs and influences how we understand the role of teachers and leaders and what we believe they should be doing as part of practice and why. We will constantly revisit and consider what self-study is throughout this course and indeed the work you undertake for this course will be a self-study of your own practice, beliefs, assumptions and values. Your assignment for this course will be the submission of your self-study.
Self-study as a Starting Point
Adam Whatley
The following video clips are of Secondary teacher, Adam, talking about his experience as a teacher engaging in a self-study and the impact this has had on him and his practice. He also talks about the way in which he used visuals to help him rethink and reframe his understandings.
ADD VIDEO HERE
Reading: You should read the following 2 chapters: Manke (2007) and Chapter 11. Practitioner Research and Leadership: the key to school improvement, Frost, D. (2007) in Briggs, A. & Coleman, M. (2007) Research Methods in Educational Leadership and Management (London, SAGE) This is one of the compulsory texts you were advised to obtain for the MSc programme.Journal reflections
You should continue to build on your thoughts and understandings of self-study in your blogs. You may find it helpful to create a new entry and labeled either by specific idea or date/chapter read - organise this in the most useful and meaningful way for you. Please also remember this is a space for you to build on your understanding - it should not be a restating of what the authors have already said - it's where you start to make some sense of and question what is written. Wiki contribution
The following powerpoint will introduce you to some key ideas relating to self-study. You should read through these notes and then visit the self-study wiki and begin to identify and share the nature and purpose of doing self-study. You might find that you are able to draw on some of the reflective notes you have made in your blogs.
After you have engaged with the readings and tasks identified above you should follow the link below to 'what is self-study' and then 'doing your self-study'. This section will provide you with the opportunity to explore in more depth the nature and purpose of self-study and get you started on the process of planning and doing your study. Further activities are outlined within this section.
What is self-study?
Doing your self-study