Learning about a new topic can be exciting and fun, but working with a team can make the experience even more beneficial. Our project was about the different leadership theories used by K-12 and Higher Education administrators. We are conducting a survey to find out which theories are used, where they were learned, and what theories they would like to know more about. When working with other individuals, you have to learn the best way to interact with them. One of the most intriguing aspects of being on a research team was learning about the different roles each of us played. We all contributed to the project in different ways. The experience allowed each individual to grow certain skill sets along with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of a new topic.

When I first started this project I did not know what to expect. I was told the research project would be about learning what leadership theories are used by K-12 and Higher Education Administrators. I had minimal knowledge of how leadership theories applied to education. When we first started, the group had an open mind about how the project would offer us a variety of opportunities to grow our education on leadership theories. Our research group consists of one undergraduate student, one graduate student, and two professors. It has been interesting learning how to work within the group. One aspect that has been intriguing has been the different roles each person in the group plays. I identified the different roles through observing the group in our meetings, communication, and how we went about starting to conduct research. Our professors on the team help with a lot of the official paperwork as well as helping the students grow their knowledge on the subject. The graduate student has done a lot of work collecting a variety of published research. As the undergraduate student, I have worked on collecting contact information, conducting research, and putting a survey together. We never laid out who would do the different areas of work throughout the project, but we all just jumped in to start working. Working on a research group has helped each of us grow in multiple skill sets. For example, I have learned how to improve my communication skills because I have had to contact different universities. I have also learned how to communicate to different individuals on the team that have a different learning style than I do. Being on a research team has been an experience that was unexpected. We have had the opportunity to grow our knowledge on a topic that we had minimal knowledge on. Once we are done conducting surveys and collecting data, our research can be applied to future research projects. Our research can help enable another team who wants to dig deeper into the application of leadership theories in education.

Alonderiene, Raimonda, and Modesta Majauskaite. “Leadership style and job satisfaction in higher education institutions.” International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 30, no. 1, 2016, pp. 140–164., doi:10.1108/ijem-08-2014-0106

Lazaridou, Angeliki. “The kinds of knowledge principals use: Implications for training.” International Journal of Education Policy and Leadership, vol. 4, no. 10, 19 Oct. 2009, pp. 1–15., doi:10.22230/ijepl.2009v4n10a187

Posner, Barry Z. “On Putting Theory Into Practice.” Journal of Management Inquiry, vol. 18, no. 2, June 2009, pp. 139–141., doi:10.1177/1056492608326321

Quin, Jeff, et al. “Comparison of Transformational Leadership Practices: Implications for School Districts and Principal Preparation.” Journal of Leadership Education, vol. 14, no. 3, 2015, pp. 71–85., doi:10.12806/v14/i3/r5

York-Barr, Jennifer, and Karen Duke. “What Do We Know About Teacher Leadership? Findings From Two Decades of Scholarship.” Review of Educational Research, vol. 74, no. 3, 2004, pp. 255–316., doi:10.3102/00346543074003255

Poster

Critically Reflecting in Transformative Learning