Introductory description

This module addresses themes in educational leadership and management and aims to develop your confidence and effectiveness in the area. In particular, you will focus on the development and implementation of policy, scrutinising and progressing your own capacity to lead and manage strategically, including how to deploy resources effectively and efficiently.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Needs analysis; policy contexts; policy-making as a process; policy analysis.
• Policy, strategy, and policies; levels of strategy; models for strategic management and strategic planning; strategy and development planning.
• Policy analysis and strategic analysis for participants’ work contexts: practical activity.
• Strategic choices for participants’ work contexts: practical activity.
• Strategic implementation; linking goals and resources; effectiveness, efficiency, economy
  and equity.
• Site-based management and its implications for educational quality in different contexts.
• The resource management cycle, management control.
• Management of premises, learning resources, and time.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING Demonstrate an understanding of the implications of international and national contexts for educational policy . Understand the relationships between national and local policy and strategies for continuing improvement in education.
• COGNITIVE SKILLS Analyse and interpret critically Exercise independence of thought and strategic thinkingRetrieve, select, and evaluate information from a variety of sources
• SUBJECT SPECIALIST/PROFESSIONAL SKILLS Apply strategic perspectives to the deployment of resources in order to secure quality In education. Explore key skills for strategic leadership and management
• KEY SKILLS Key Skills Written communication Working with others Problem solving Numeracy Apply principles of experiential learning to own learning

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

Students should demonstrate a critical understanding of -

• the underlying values, theories and concepts underpinning the policy process, strategic planning and resource management;
• the complexities of the education process and the diversity of policy analysis frameworks/tools;
• power, micropolitics, leadership and strategy within the field of education, at the micro, meso and micro levels.
• the societal and organisational structures and purposes of educational systems, and the possible implications for policy-makers and the policy process
• constructively critique theories, practice and research in the area of education.

Transferable skills

• Active listening
• Cognitive flexibility
• Communication skills
• Complex problem solving
• Confidence
• Coordinating with others
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Intellectual ability
• International cultural awareness
• Interpersonal and communication
• Literacy
• Management of learning
• Personal development skills
• Reasoning
• Team working
• Using IT effectively