HED4812
Final Reflective Journal Exit
Assessment 2024
Due Date: 7 January 2025
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, 1. DEPTH OF REFLECTION
Throughout my journey in the module on Contemporary Approaches to
Educational Leadership and Management (HED4812), I have experienced
a profound evolution in my understanding of educational leadership, the
intricacies of management within educational settings, and the dynamic
relationship between leadership practices and organizational success. My
learning has not been confined to theoretical concepts alone; it has been a
holistic blend of practical applications, critical discussions, and personal
reflection on the role of leadership in transforming educational environments.
This reflective journal encapsulates my journey, highlighting the insights I
have gained, the shifts in my perspectives, and how my understanding of
educational leadership has been reshaped.
Initial Understanding of Educational Leadership
At the beginning of the module, my understanding of educational leadership
was largely shaped by traditional models of authority and management. I
viewed leaders primarily as decision-makers responsible for guiding teams,
managing resources, and ensuring the smooth operation of educational
institutions. Leadership was something that was often seen as hierarchical,
with the head of the institution or the school principal having the final say on
all matters. Management, in my initial understanding, was more about
logistics—ensuring the school runs efficiently in terms of staffing, budgeting,
and adherence to regulations.
I saw education as primarily focused on teaching and learning, with leadership
and management playing more supportive and facilitative roles. I did not fully
appreciate how deeply leadership practices could influence the broader
educational experience, including shaping organizational culture, fostering
innovation, and driving systemic change. The initial understanding seemed
narrow, focusing more on administrative functions rather than the
transformative impact leadership could have on the overall educational
system.
The Shift in Perspective
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