"Embracing Duality: Finding Value in Contrasting Perspectives"

Recently, I've come across comments or specific points of view, and I'm curious about the sources people use to acquire knowledge. Last week I presented my doctoral research at the AIS research symposium. Several individuals have expressed interest in my study and my viewpoint on doctoral research. This led me to reevaluate my perspective, which is primarily shaped by my personal experiences, the reading of research texts, and discussions with individuals who possess greater knowledge and experience.

                                                                                      PhD or EdD

Which option is more advantageous depends on your goals. Students who wish to apply research to address real-world educational challenges often choose an EdD, a professional doctorate that is more practical. Individuals who aspire to become educators, administrators, policymakers, or organizational leaders frequently choose this degree. EdD programs emphasise practical research applications to enhance educational systems, policies, and practices, making them ideal for those who want to influence schools, districts, or education-focused groups. 

 

If you aspire to work in academia or research, where publishing and contributing to educational theory are significant, a PhD may be the most advantageous choice. While both pathways may be equally challenging and rewarding, each offers a unique approach to influencing education. I have spoken to friends in various countries who see both as different but equally valued. However, people here in Australia have said in passing, "You're only doing an EdD, not a PhD." I am curious if this viewpoint is evident in other countries.

To distinguish my EdD from a PhD, I wrote in my thesis: "A professional doctorate requires the dual role of practitioner and researcher. The intention of this professional doctorate is for me to develop a deeper understanding of research (Fox & Slade, 2014) and generate a “substantive piece of research in the field relevant” (Wildy et al., 2015, p. 768) for my professional practice as a coach and educator (Stringer, 2024).

Quantitative or Qualitative

Someone recently told me that he doesn't think qualitative data is sufficient and that he only values and reads research with quantitative data. This was the last thing I needed to hear before I presented my research. 

 

Some people feel quantitative data is “better” than qualitative data because it seems more objective, precise, and straightforward to analyse. People often perceive quantitative data as more reliable and less biased, citing the solidity and trustworthiness of numbers and statistical methods. Additionally, the use of standardised measurements in quantitative research allows for study replication, a crucial aspect in science for validating results. The precision of numbers also simplifies the measurement and comparison of findings; when comparing average scores across groups, the structured data simplifies the comparison process. Because quantitative methods often rely on larger sample sizes, people feel more comfortable using these results to make broader conclusions about bigger populations. Numbers also help turn complex information into clear statistics, charts, and graphs, making it easier to spot trends and patterns at a glance. In my research, one principal stated, "The qualitative evidence within doesn't meet muster with the quantitative evidence required by external authorities." 

 

However, qualitative data offers a unique depth and richness, capturing context, motives, feelings, and experiences—elements that quantitative data may overlook. This human side provides insights that reveal the “why” behind the numbers, bringing added meaning that pure statistics can’t fully capture. It was crucial to me to convey the perspectives and narratives of the coaches, principals, and early career educators. I am intrigued by the reasons why certain individuals do not believe that both equally contribute to educational research.

Scholar or Practitioner

I've heard some comments suggesting that it's impossible to excel in both areas. One individual expressed that I wasn't the 'academic' type, while another suggested that I should focus on my strengths and stay within my area of expertise. I'll let you sit with that comment. When I was provided an opportunity to develop my scholarly skills, I was advised that I should not consider the invitation to join the journal board, as I had not yet graduated. While I continue to engage with others and listen to their perspectives, these examples illustrate various perspectives that often influence decisions. It can be challenging to understand the culture when entering a new field; however, listening to too many people may possibly undermine your confidence.

While practitioner-researchers, scholar-practitioners, and pracademics all describe people who navigate both practical and intellectual worlds, they have different focuses. While the three terms reflect a blend of practical and academic pursuits, they each emphasise different aspects of that integration.

Practitioner-Researchers are individuals who not only work in their field but actively engage in research. They use data and evidence to inform their practice, aiming to improve outcomes. Their primary focus is on applying research methods to enhance practical effectiveness and find ways to implement research findings in real-world situations. The lead coaches in my study consistently pursued research to disseminate their expertise across their coaching staff, while enhancing their coaching practice.

Scholar-Practitioners highlight the dual roles of being a practitioner and a scholar. These individuals blend academic knowledge with hands-on experience, applying theoretical frameworks to solve practical problems. While they engage in research, they prioritise teaching, mentoring, and applying their scholarly insights to real-world challenges. Consultants with doctorates often apply theoretical knowledge, establishing evidence-based courses, which they facilitate in schools.

Pracademics engage in scholarly work while also applying their knowledge in practical settings. They may not emphasise the research aspect as strongly as the other two terms but they still contribute meaningfully to both fields. Their objective is frequently to provide a bridge between theory and practice, thereby, enhancing both with their perspectives. I have consistently prioritised bridging the divide, and this is where I see myself. 

What conclusions have I drawn from pondering this blog post? Base your selections on your enthusiasm, expertise, and independent research. Exercise caution against external negative influence, and believe in yourself. You don't want to regret squandered opportunities.  

Stay Curious,

Andrea

Burnard, P., Dragovic, T., Ottewell, K., & Lim, W. M. (2018). Voicing the professional doctorate and the researching professional's identity: Theorizing the EdD's uniqueness. London Review of Education,, 16(1), 40-55. 

Campbell, P., Hollweck, T., & Netolicky, D. M. (2023). Grappling with pracademia in education: Forms, functions, and futures. In (pp. 65-83). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33746-8_6 

Fox, A., & Slade, B. (2014). What impact can organisations expect from professional doctorates? Professional Development in Education, 40(4), 546-560. https://doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2013.843579 

Poultney, V. (2010). Challenging the PhD: Managing the alignment of an EdD programme alongside a traditional PhD pathway. Work Based Learning e-Journal, 1(1), 71-84.

Stringer, A. (2024). Coaching Early Career Teachers: Exploring the Implementation of Coaching in Schools for Professional Growth. University of New South Wales.]. University of New South Wales Library. 

Wildy, H., Peden, S., & Chan, K. (2015). The rise of professional doctorates: Case studies of the Doctorate in Education in China, Iceland and Australia. Studies in Higher Education, 40(5), 761-774. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2013.842968 

Slayed the Dragon

Regrettably, my first year of school was highly memorable for all the wrong reasons, and this was only one of the contributing factors. In Grade 1, reading was my nemesis. I vividly recall strategising to read the smallest paragraph during round-robin sessions, driven by an intense desire to escape any unwanted attention. That year, once brimming with confidence and curiosity, I transformed into an anxious, self-doubting student struggling with words on a page. While I initially relied on memorizing words, I eventually discovered that glasses were the solution. Although using glasses resolved the reading problem, the experience had long-lasting consequences. Despite confidently performing ballet in front of audiences, reading and speaking to an audience remained challenging. 25 years later, as a mature-aged student, I had extreme nervousness and anxiety before my first university presentation, to the extent that I was physically ill. 

My journey took a pivotal turn with my first mentor, Japhy, during my practicum teaching. His curiosity about my nervousness about reading aloud led to a deeper understanding of my past. He provided me with the space and encouragement to develop these skills, and within a few weeks, I was leading lessons and reading aloud to other classes. Through Japhy, I learned the profound importance of understanding the "why" behind a lack of confidence.

Fast forward a few years, and my professional roles required more public speaking and leading workshops that developed my skills. A university recently requested my participation in a Q&A session, which evolved into a 45–60-minute presentation devoid of slides. Surprisingly, the hour flew by, and I relished the experience. I drew on my identities as a researcher, teacher, and coach, and for the first time, I felt excited and calm about presenting my research.

Today, I presented my research to doctoral students and candidates from numerous EdD cohorts and their supervisors. Due to the inability to access my notes, I resorted to speaking to the slides. Although it was not flawless, I felt relaxed and comfortable. Today, I closed the chapter on my doctoral journey and celebrate the improvement of my ability to talk confidently in public. As is the case with any issue that is not resolved at the outset, my dragon grew. My journey from that anxious Grade 1 student to a confident presenter may have taken years, but today I finally feel that I slayed the dragon.

Thanks for reading,

Andrea

Empowering Educators: Navigating AI, Teacher Agency, and Lesson Planning

In November 2022, ChatGPT became publicly available, marking its initial release for widespread use. This milestone allowed users to interact with the model and explore its capabilities. However, as I approached the final stages of submitting my thesis after four years of work, caution prevailed. With universities lacking clear guidelines or established regulations, exploring AI was not an option for me. It was more important to me to err on the side of caution and safeguard my research and professional standing. 

Today's landscape often resides in shades of grey rather than black and white. Is using spell check or Microsoft Editor cheating? Is it the same as hiring someone to edit your thesis? Arguments for and against AI in research abound. I felt it was crucial to grasp the fundamentals first. For example, students must develop number sense before relying on calculators. I needed to master research basics without AI's influence on my methodology or thinking. I view research as reflecting one's professional experience, ethos, and personal approach. Ethical considerations loom large in AI's use, both personally and professionally. Issues of data privacy, confidentiality, and ownership pose significant questions. When does work cease to be solely yours? When and where should AI be used to promote learning and provide support?

I have been contemplating ways to provide additional support for beginning teachers, particularly in light of the teacher shortages. I interact with pre-service and early career teachers and pursue methods to enhance their teaching and learning. A lesson plan can serve as a scaffold for newcomers to the field, and understanding its components is essential. Lesson plans are roadmaps that specify the outcomes, materials, procedures, and assessment methods for a single class period. It concentrates on the lesson's teaching content, activities, discussions, and assessments, frequently down to minute-by-minute instructions. Experienced teachers don't often create lesson plans to guide their teaching but rely on units or work that are more detailed than the program. Despite its time-intensive nature, crafting a lesson plan fosters invaluable learning. It teaches pacing, activity differentiation, and formative assessment integration, ensuring students understand in real time.

While ChatGPT can generate lesson plans, empowering beginning teachers to create their own is paramount. Lesson planning is the foundation for teacher autonomy, as it ensures structured, efficient content delivery, supports diverse student needs, and enhances the overall coherence of the learning experience. In essence, lesson planning is not merely a procedural task; it allows teachers to demonstrate their professional competence, make educated instructional decisions, and ultimately improve student learning results. Then, once the process has been mastered, employ ChatGPT to create lesson plans that can be tailored to reflect the context and your creativity.

I am looking forward to reading Matt and Nick's new book, The Next Word. 

Always learning,

p.s. Today, I explored using AI to create a lesson plan. My prompts: Create a lesson plan for a Year 2 maths class in New South Wales focused on 2-dimensional shapes. The lesson period is 45 minutes. Include a literature book related to shapes. Include formative assessment. The lesson plan resembled one I had created 15 years ago and even included the same 'The Greedby Triangle' book. Nevertheless, sometimes you don't know what you don't know; therefore, it is essential to learn from and interact with others in the field. 

My 100th blogpost in 10 years.

Today is a significant milestone as I celebrate my 100th blog post! Looking back to where it all began a decade ago, with the encouragement of my friend Matt Esterman, fills me with gratitude. I started this journey with a flurry of content, but during my doctoral years, the frequency took a hit – except when Prof Sahlberg nudged my cohort to pen Op-Eds located in April & May 2019. (shoutout to Pasi for the push!). Today, I've decided to take a stroll down memory lane by revisiting my previous blog posts, including a reflective piece from 2020. For me, this blog serves as more than just words on a screen; it captures snapshots of my evolving thoughts, beliefs, and experiences, akin to entries in a personal diary. I analysed my writing in search of recurring themes and common threads and discovered change, connection, continuous learning, collaboration, and coaching.

Reflecting on my journey, I remember my first entry about not feeling smart enough for university and the apprehension I felt before hitting the publish button. The level of vulnerability required felt overwhelming, as I lacked the confidence to share my thoughts without seeking approval from others. But over time, I've grown in confidence, addressing complex educational issues such as I'll ride with you, More than Thanks, and teacher retention, naturally intertwining my personal experiences with my teaching identity.

Identity isn't static; it's a complex tapestry woven from personal and professional experiences, qualifications, personality traits, and values. Context and role responsibilities also play a significant role in shaping who we are. As I've navigated through different experiences and contexts over the years, I've watched my identity shift and evolve like a chameleon adapting to its surroundings. Change is inevitable, and it's only natural that our identities evolve along with us.

Connecting with others has always been a cornerstone of education. The post titled "So, what's in it for you?" struck a chord with many, and for good reason. Back then, Twitter was the driving force behind the growth of TeachMeets, fostering learning and forging connections among schools, leaders, and educators. As a moderator of Twitter Chats, such as #SatchOC, I witnessed firsthand the power of these digital platforms in facilitating meaningful exchanges and professional growth. Building relationships and cultivating a professional learning network (PLN) became more than just buzzwords—they were essential elements of thriving in the educational landscape. Whether it was connecting with academics or fellow educators, whether it involved climbing a bridge or venturing to professional learning opportunities overseas, the quest for knowledge and camaraderie knows no bounds. 

Collaboration and connection have always been recurring themes in my blog posts, evident in numerous entries over the last decade. Whether venturing to schools in Canberra or Brisbane, or Southern NSW or more locally, the spirit of learning through collaboration thrived. One area where collaboration truly shone was in coaching and continuous learning. It's no surprise that coaching made frequent appearances throughout my posts. In a world where the mantra "out with the old and in with the new" often reigns supreme, I challenged this notion. Self-determination and recognizing the expertise within the classroom have also been recurring themes. Being observed in the classroom wasn't just a professional expectation; it served as a pivotal moment for engaging in meaningful coaching conversations. It was through these observations and subsequent discussions that true growth and evolution were nurtured.

From highlighting the invaluable guidance of coaches in my life to reflecting on classroom observations, the journey of growth and development was a constant thread. One of the highlights of this journey was my Fellowship to the US, which I documented in eight captivating blog posts under the hashtag #EdVentures, back in June and July of 2015. These posts and others chronicle my professional growth and showcase how I seamlessly blended work with play, blurring the lines between the two.

Throughout my blogging journey, the theme of leadership and women in leadership remained prominent, from celebrating women role models and raising me up, to supporting and advocating for gender equality. Peter Holmes so aptly said, "We need gender mix in leadership. We're all stronger & wiser for it." Rennaisance Women Leaders' Network featured strongly as we celebrated the collective and those who inspire. I explored this topic with passion. 

My doctoral journey has been filled with unexpected challenges and pleasant surprises, yet it has been a defining chapter in my life characterised by resilience, perseverance, and ultimately, achievement. What's truly remarkable is how my blog posts have evolved into a visual representation of this professional growth journey, aligning closely with the topics and themes explored in my thesis. It's fascinating to observe how the concepts I pondered in my early blog entries, such as coaching, self-determination, proving or improving and the delicate balance of confidence and humility, resonate deeply with the findings of my academic research. This alignment is particularly noteworthy considering it predates the publication of Adam Grant's "Think Again" and his discourse on confident humility. What initially may have appeared as simple musings have now transformed into tangible reflections of my evolving beliefs and values. 

Despite time, the foundational principles that guided my early writings have remained steadfast, illuminating my path through academic and professional pursuits.  Among the myriad posts, one stands out as a catalyst for change: it ignited the creation of #ConnectTheDocs, a movement I regard as the epitome of networking, education, and achievement melded seamlessly. This initiative serves as a testament to the profound impact of collaboration and community in empowering individuals striving to enact positive change in the educational landscape of tomorrow.

Thanks for reading,

Loosening the Shackles: Empowering Growth and Innovation

After the demanding requirements of finishing my doctoral thesis, the mere thought of delving into another scholarly endeavour feels draining. Instead, I find myself drawn back to the realm of blogging. A genre exemplifying simplicity and freedom of expression, characterised by authenticity and spontaneity. Here, I can unleash my thoughts without the shackles of formal academia, explore my wonderings, and share insights. The spark for this post ignited from conversations with close friends deeply entrenched in the world of education. We delved into the pressing issue of teacher shortages and how they are casting a long shadow over teacher learning and wellbeing, which in turn, impacts student learning and wellbeing. It's evident that education, post-COVID and amidst the rise of artificial intelligence, is undergoing significant transformation. In addition, there appear to be additional influences seeping in from various sources. As we adapt to the ever-changing demands of the modern classroom, the need for contextualised support and personalised growth opportunities has never been more pressing. 

Before X, Twitter provided me with a glimpse into schools, offering snapshots of innovation in action. Despite their brevity, these insights fueled my curiosity, leading me to visit schools during the holidays. Twitter may have offered only brief glimpses, but it started a journey of discovery that resulted in tangible evidence of innovation. This is one element of Twitter I miss, as I feel I no longer have my finger on the pulse of innovative schools. As a teacher and coach, I gained an insider's perspective. However, transitioning to consultancy work and with the decline of Twitter, I now rely on personal connections and professional relationships to understand the current challenges being faced in schools. 

As I reflect on the landscape of education today, one question comes to mind: do school leaders have the autonomy, time, and support necessary to reimagine school-embedded professional learning? It's a question that strikes at the heart of educational innovation and the ongoing quest for effectiveness in teaching and learning. Professional learning (PL) lies at the core of a thriving school community. It sustains the growth and development of educators, empowering them to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of students and society. Yet, in many cases, the traditional model of PL falls short of meeting these lofty aspirations. The constraints of time and resources often hinder school leaders in their efforts to revolutionise PL. Caught in the whirlwind of administrative duties and measures of compliance and accountability, they may find themselves with limited capacity to dedicate to the task of reimagining PL experiences for their staff. In an era of top-down mandates, school leaders may feel shackled by a lack of freedom to chart their own path when it comes to PL The cookie-cutter approach to professional development stifles creativity and innovation, which may become a box-ticking exercise rather than a catalyst for meaningful growth and change.

While it's crucial for initiatives to be grounded in research, merely relying on established findings can lead to stagnation. True innovation requires more than just regurgitating what's already known; it demands a creative synthesis of existing knowledge with fresh perspectives and novel approaches. In essence, while research serves as a guiding light, it's the willingness to push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and explore uncharted territory that truly drives progress in education. Tom Guskey’s recent article reminded me of a proposal I wrote years ago for a school-embedded PL program/institute that included a researcher in residence, who supported the development of teacher capacity through action research, coaching, and data analysis. The growing recognition of the need for personalised, job-embedded PL is paving the way for a new era, although Katherine Hoekman stated that this practice has migrated to various schools. As educators and policymakers alike begin to embrace the principles of autonomy, collaboration, and continuous improvement, we have an opportunity to redefine what PL looks like in practice in all schools.

School leaders must be empowered to take the reins and drive meaningful change in the realm of PL. They need the autonomy to design PL experiences that are tailored to the unique needs and context of their school community. This may involve fostering a culture of collaboration, leveraging technology to facilitate ongoing learning, or creating opportunities for job-embedded coaching and mentorship. Furthermore, school leaders require the support and resources necessary to bring their vision for PL to life. This may entail investing in PL opportunities for staff, providing time and space for collaborative enquiry and reflection, or partnering with external organisations to access expertise and resources. The success of any educational initiative hinges on the commitment and vision of its leaders. By empowering school leaders and leadership teams with the autonomy, time, and support needed to reimagine school-embedded PL, we can unlock the full potential of our educators.

Always curious,

Andrea