Professional Learning
Designing high-impact training that addresses the specific cognitive and wellbeing needs of school leaders.
- Lead Researcher: Matthew Brown
- Leadership Research
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About the Researcher
Matthew Brown is an Associate Professor and the Associate Dean of School Partnerships at the University of Canberra. His career in education is distinguished by extensive experience leading secondary schools, holding senior roles within the NSW Department of Education, and his current academic work.
Leadership Background
Throughout his time as a Head Teacher, Deputy Principal, and Principal, Matthew’s leadership was centred on building positive school cultures through shared values and high expectations. He focused on enhancing staff morale and commitment by leading professional learning and embedding high-quality teaching at the core of school improvement.
Current Focus
Matthew sees the principal's role as pivotal to improving school performance. He is concerned about principal wellbeing and the increasing demands placed on leaders as schools become more complex to manage and lead. This perspective informs his current work at the University of Canberra, where he focuses on supporting and developing educational leaders.
ThinkAloud Research Purpose
The primary goal of this research is to capture the real-time, "in-the-moment" thought processes of school principals as they navigate complex decision-making scenarios. By using ThinkAloud protocols, we can gain deep insights into the cognitive load and strategic reasoning that define contemporary school leadership.
Research Objectives
- Understand real-time cognitive processes in principal decision-making
- Identify patterns of strategic reasoning across diverse school contexts
- Analyze the impact of increasing role complexity on principal wellbeing
- Develop high-impact professional learning based on real-world leadership challenges
A Multi-Angled Approach
- Confidential Survey: Capturing broad patterns across a wide range of leaders.
- One-on-One Interviews: Deep diving into individual stories and professional experiences.
- Personal Narratives: Allowing leaders to share their nuanced professional journeys.
- Mobile App Reflections: Capturing spontaneous reflections in the heat of daily leadership.
Researcher Commitment
"As a former principal, I understand the complexities you face daily. This research is designed by one of us, for all of us, to shed light on a vital but underexplored aspect of our shared profession." - Matthew Brown
20+
Years in Education
4
Research Angles
Confidential
Participation
Impact on Education
The findings from this multi-method study will directly inform the development of university external professional learning programs, ensuring they are relevant, flexible, and equip school leaders for the challenges of contemporary education.
Application of Findings
This research aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and the daily realities of school leadership, providing practical tools and insights for the educational community.
Wellbeing Support
Developing strategies to manage the increasing complexity and demands of the principalship.
System Partnerships
Strengthening the connection between university research and school system needs.
Positive Culture
Leveraging shared values and high expectations to build resilient school communities.