Change Laboratories as a Method for School Leadership Development in Partnership: Processes and Experiences

• In Event: Empowering Leaders via Policy and Leadership Development for Diverse Educational Settings

Abstract

In the present study researchers have piloted Change Laboratories as an arena and a method for school leadership development and partnerships between school leaders and researchers. We have studied what characterizes the processes in the laboratories and the school leaders´ experiences from this mode of school leadership development. The analyses are built on video-data and interviews. Cultural historical activity theory constitutes the theoretical framework. The data has been subject to content- and interaction analyses. The findings reveal a shared work on problems and dilemmas in leadership activities when leading reform work. The school leaders are positive to the method, especially regarding the data being introduced mirroring and questioning ongoing leadership activities. Some scepticisms were identified regarding the introduction of theories.

Authors

• Ruth Jensen, University of Oslo

• Ann Elisabeth Gunnulfsen, University of Oslo

• Hedvig Neerland Abrahamsen, University of Oslo

• Kristin Helstad, Oslo Metropolitan University