Futuring Student Learning: Repositioning Department Head Leadership in Canadian Higher Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 7:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Centering Students and Student Leadership in Higher Education

Abstract

The engagement, outcomes, and employability of students have become key considerations in higher education. However, the literature indicates that many Department Heads struggle in fostering student learning improvement, particularly in equity-oriented change. This qualitative study, guided by a student-centred leadership framework, aims to investigate the day-to-day work lives of Department Heads in leading for student learning. The data draws on policy documents and semi-structured interviews with eight Department Heads in a Canadian university. An adapted theoretical framework is proposed to frame the study and analyse findings. Results show that Department Heads are rational actors seeking to improve student learning through teaching innovation and curriculum change. Recommendations for future research, practice, and institutional policy are provided.

Authors

• Yu Zan, University of Saskatchewan

• Paul Newton, University of Saskatchewan