Collaborative concept mapping method for evolving and conflicting understandings in school safety leadership

• In Event: AER Roundtable Session Friday 1:45 pm - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Methodological Attunements: Listening, Mapping, and Reflexive Inquiry

Abstract

Collaborative concept mapping is a productive tool for researchers to examine collaboration and collective knowledge construction and practitioners to reflect on their thinking. This method is suggested to also be generative for examining difficult, political aspects of educational leadership, such as school safety. Drawing on learning sciences and science education literature, this paper examines using collaborative concept mapping with school safety leaders to negotiate and reflect on school safety concepts and practices. Interaction and knowledge analysis was used to microgenetically analyze the organizational structure with participation patterns as a means of identifying moments of trouble and the negotiated repair amongst the participants. These moments then resulted in an evolving organization, reframing, and reflection by the participant on their work.

Author

• Jennifer Classen, Dalhousie University