The beginning of the my rangahau journey..

Here I am again, about to embark on the research section of my Master of Educational Leadership. This is my second time working through Master level study. My initial Master of Education was completed through a paper-based pathway with Massey University. Unfortunately, I didn't get grades to walk straight into a doctoral study, so here I am again. This time, ready and willing to take on a research-pathway. I'll be documenting my progress here (for myself) and for my tauira (at TWoA) and role-modelling my peaks, pits and ongoing questions. 

For my first class, I've been asked to read several readings and answer the questions below:

• How would you define research as it relates to the project you want to undertake?

Research is a thread of curiosity that you just want to keep pulling at as you inquire and probe into an area of interest. (First attempt at a definition - Ikihele, 2020)

• What is the purpose of your research?

All social research sets out with specific purposes from a particular position and aims to persuade readers of the significance of its claims. These claims are always broadly political.

I am fascinated with listening as a leadership skill. Part of this fascination is born from my desire to always talk. I'm not that great a listener, I know it's important and after lost of investigating into the topic of coaching I have even more motivation to delve deeper into this topic.

• In what general topical area is your research-based?

Educational Leadership

• What problem will your research address?

In a world that is more connected than we have ever been, we are failing to listen, this leads to miscommunication, isolation, lack of connection and many more issues. In our schools, it is essential that teachers (in their multi-faceted, complex lives) have the opportunity to be heard (our leaders do too). I am hoping to explore attentive listening as a skill in leaders.