Reflective Entry 4 - The Research Question!

 

The Research Question:

The question I have chosen to focus my research on is:

• If we use Kanban boards to streamline strategic decision making how will it affect the communication, cohesion and collaboration in a Team? (particularly, in this case, a Senior Leadership Team).

• And furthermore, though possibly not in the timeframe given, what impact can this have on aligning teaching and learning practice throughout a school?

This question has evolved as I have been on this reflective journey. What started as a critique focused on the existence of siloed teams within a school and how they came to be, has narrowed to focus on the Senior Leadership Team. I see the actions of teams as a direct reflection of leadership - siloed teams could mean siloed leadership. 

Transformational leaders are able to inspire their people with a vision that energises them and encourages them to work collaboratively towards a common goal (Robinson, Hohepa, and Lloyd, 2009, p.85). On this premise we must assert that leadership teams must then work collaboratively together towards the common goal.

How did I get here?

Adapted from Riel, M. (2018, Sept 10). T8-Analyzing Data. [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkNQJUzmkrl

As can be seen in the research question template above, I started exploring the connections between my research topic and Kaupapa Māori approach to research.

"Kaupapa Māori is concerned with both methodology (a process of enquiry that determines the methods used) and method (the tools that can be used to produce and analyse data)." (Wehipeihana, 2019, p.21). It is unique research, specifically related to Māori, guided by 8 key principles:

• Tino Rangatira - The Principle of Self-Determination

• Taonga Tuku Iho - The Principle of Cultural Aspiration

• Ako Māori - The Principle of Culturally Preferred Pedagogy 

• Kia piki ake i ngā raruraru o te kainga - The Principle of Socio-Economic Mediation

• Whānau - The Principle of Extended Family Structure

• Kaupapa - The Principle of Collective Philosophy

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi - The Principle of the Treaty of Waitangi

• Ata - The Principle of Growing Respectful Relationships

(Rangahau, n.d.)

My research will connect with 4 of these principles.

Firstly, Taonga Tuku Iho. Acknowledging the importance of Te Reo Māori, Tikanga and Mātauranga Māori must inform all decisions that we make and the impact this will then have on Māori learners (and in fact all learners). When conducting my research that would include both surveys (Quantitative data) and face-to-face / kanohi-ki-te-kanohi (more qualitative data) this must be considered at all instances.

Secondly, Kaupapa Māori. Focusing on the collective vision, aspirations and purpose of Māori communities. The stakeholders involved in my research - students, teachers, senior leadership - need this as the basis of the research. Respectfully probing for information that acknowledges Kaupapa Māori and creates a shared vision and understanding is essential.

Thirdly, Ako Māori. Focusing decision-making around this culturally preferred pedagogy that is in it's essence uniquely Māori. Clearly defining evidence from the use of Kanban Boards that will see this pedagogy in practice - having a collective and collaborative approach.

And finally, Ata. I feel this is the most essential principle to include as it focuses on growing respectful relationships that are deliberately and consciously nurturing. Ensuring that bias is removed from the research and relationship, and building more consciously respectful relationships within research participants. Ensuring my bias and assumptions are put to the side is not going to be easy but it must be done.

Where to now?

Begin the research! The research must begin by collecting data from the key stakeholders on the current situation.

• Students:
• What does the curriculum look like in the classroom now?
• Does it look the same across your team? How do you know?
• What happens when you change teams?
• Teachers:
• What does the curriculum look like in the classroom now?
• Does it look the same across your team? How do you know?
• What happens when you change teams?
• Team Leaders
• What does the curriculum look like in your team?
• How do you know what is expected?
• Is this a shared understanding across the school? Why?
• Senior Leadership
• What does the curriculum look like across the school?
• Is it the same in every team? How do you know?
• How do you currently make strategic decisions and who is involved in these?
• What needs to change?

Possibly collect anecdotal evidence of decisions being made and shared - record and monitor who is involved and how the information is then shared (gather evidence of the process). It will be essential to share these findings with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure they see the gaps / areas for improvement.

Then introduce the Kanban Board to the Senior Leadership Team, set up procedures and processes around their use and then use them. All the while being mindful of Kaupapa Māori when collecting the information and introducing the innovation.

References:

Rangahau (n.d). Principles of Kaupapa Māori. Retrieved from http://www.rangahau.co.nz/research-idea/27/

Robinson, V., Hohepa, M., & Lloyd C. (2009). ​School leadership and student outcomes: Identifying what works and why: Best evidence synthesis iteration​. Wellington, New Zealand: Ministry of Education.

Wehipeihana, N. (2019). What's working for Māori? A Kaupapa Māori perspective on the responsiveness of the Integrated Safety Response pilot to Māori - Synthesis Evaluation Report. Retrieved from https://www.justice.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Publications/nOD858un-Kaupapa-Maori-Report.pdf