A Process-Oriented Methodology to Support Innovation Expression in Schools

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Methodological Approaches in Multimethod and Mixed-Methods Research

Abstract

A process-oriented methodology is presented to support innovation expression in schools. The methodology is motivated by prominent critiques of the evidence-based practice framework and designed to account for the agency/structure dilemma. Therefore, underlying the two-phase methodology are efforts to empower educators and create authentic partnerships between researchers and practitioners. The methodology utilizes Organizational Ethnography and Social Network Analysis to create awareness of structural constraints. The methodology then positions the researcher in a participatory role to help activate agency within the organization by leading strategy sessions with actors promoting innovations. The result is a research methodology that helps produce more authentic and enduring expressions of innovation in school organizations.

Author

• Thomas Cowhitt, University of Cambridge