Would you prefer learning and earning your school leaders license/Master's Degree by the study of theory or more of practical application? Provide brief comments supporting your decision.
Both, actually. I believe the study of theory is needed to understand the changes in the field over the years, the different approaches to leadership and various methodologies used in employing those approaches, and so that you can begin to build a vision based in part on what you have learned from theory. Practical application, however, is something I would love to have. I remember the sheer terror of entering the middle school classroom for the first time; no amount of classwork, no number of well written papers, and no amount of research helps you prepare for that day. It would be ideal to shadow a (good) principal for a period of time to get a better idea of what the reality will be.
Well I have always been a tactile learner, so practical application would fit me best. Though theory is great for providing various ways of application and crucial when developing philosophy and reflection alternatives. Practical application I beleive gives one a sense of security when stepping into the school for the first time.
Being like so many of my students over the years, I would much prefer learning and earning my school leaders license/Master's Degree by experiencing a combination of the study of theory and practical application. Since “theories create the realities,” it would be impossible to separate the two. But, for me a more practical, hands-on approach would be more suitable. I believe that I would feel more comfortable and would have a clearer understanding of what was going on around me by experiencing various issues with a nurturing principal or assistant principal willing to help others experience success in the area of administration and education leadership. While we all would have to draw from the theories, practices and research in education, I believe that I would be more successful in a more practical setting. Movita Utt
I agree with Movita, the two ideas cannot be separated but I believe theory can only get you so far. I believe the pratical approach works the best for me because I need to see things happen and incorperate that into personal experiencies that could help me learn from my mistakes.
I agree that you cannot separate the two ideas. But I feel that practical application would fit my learning style best. I am a vision/hands-on learner and I learn more by doing a practice. Experiencing a theory or practice being utilized would be more effective to me because of the type of learner that I am. Thus, I feel that you cannot buy experience so that when your administrator days came you would be better prepared for situation that may occur in your school. Jamie Cain
While it is important to know the theories and reasoning behind what happens in education, for me the best way to learn is hands-on. While obtaining my licensure in education, I took many theoretical classes, classes which helped me write a lesson plan, and develop different ways of reaching to the different students, but I gained the most benefit from teaching a semester with an experienced teacher. While I am enjoying earning my school leadership degree and gaining a lot from the classes, I have a feeling I will benefit the most from actually applying those concepts in a school. -- Jennifer Campbell
I prefer to do both. I think that theory of practice is important and so is the hands-on approach. I think the two can be compared to the traditional method of leadership and the more reflective approach. They both work together. I do feel that the hands-on approach is more beneficial because it gives a chance to work on complex situations that there may not be a specific answer for. Concepts learned in theory can be applied to various situations in an actual school setting.
I also prefer both. I think that study of theory is important to understand if you are in a leadership position. Theory is something that you could reflect back on if you were not sure how to handle a situation. However, I think that practical applications are just as important as theory. Practical applications give you the option to handle various situations in many different ways. Therefore, I think they are both something that any principal should think about. Amy Woodard
I would have to agree with the majority on preferring that I can achieve my school liscensure/Masters degree by both the theoritical and practical practices. I know from what little experience I have that in order to be successful, we have to do what is expected of us as individuals. There are some instances however where a more practical approach would be more suitable. I feel that I/we need to know what is expected to become an effective school leader and sometimes the study of theory puts it into perspective for me and allows me to know where I stand and what I need to do to be efficient. Also, I think a more practical way portrays ways of motivating and leading by character:(relationships, caring, teammwork). In any case, I feel that to be a successful administrator, one has to learn through study of theory and practical approaches to better prepare themselves for what lies ahead. Israel Easter
I believe that I need to study the theory of education and the models, but also practical application would benefit myself. I think that every administrator needs to know the theory behind what is being taught in the classroom and how it is being taught. On the other hand, seeing actual teaching and learning the “ropes” about the education system also provides a enormous experience that will be very valuable. Since I am a hands on learner I want to see how things are done in a real life situation, instead of how it is “suppose” to be done. That way when it comes time for me to make those important decisions I can remember the experiences that I have had and compare them to my situation.
I would definatly perfer learning and earning my Masters'. I do better when I am imersed in the field I am trying to master, then to just have to learn different theories and book-learning. I like to develop my own ideas and feelings towards my careers goals, although I am extermely open to ideas and advice from those who have been there, that way I can pick and choose and develop my own methods based on research and application.
I prefer learning/earning my school leaders license primarily through the study of theory. As I complete my internship and become employed as an assistance principal I will have the opportunity for lots of practical application. I seriously doubt that as a principal/assistant principal I will have the time and/or energy to devote to an in-depth study of the theory of leadership. Thanks, Marlin
I would prefer to learn my master degree by experiencing both the study of theory and also by practical application. Personally I am a much stronger learner in the practical field. I am very much a “hands on” learner when it comes to most things. However, I really feel like I need to have more of a study of theory approach, because you also make many of your own experiences by what you are learning. Over the last week of being an intern, I have learned many practical things about the job of being a principal. It came fairly easy. But, I have also come across many things that I have learned from this class that did come useful. So this summer experience tells me I need to try to be strong in both and concentrate more on the study of theory. Because they are they are the foundation of thing most important things you are going to have to practice as an administrator. Jason Morris
I feel that in order to become a successful administrator, both theory and practical learning are needed. I learn more from practical experience than from reading the theories. I feel that if you gain practical experience, you will in turn learn those theories, espeically if you have a mentor who would help point out those theories as they fit in with what I am doing. Pratical experience puts to test the theories you learn about. Theories also provide you with knowledge needed to make decisions. Samantha Reed
I believe that we need to have knowledge of theories and practice, but nothing can replace experience. For me it's like, would you rather have someone rebuild the engine of your car that has done it 100 times or someone who has read a book on how to do it but never actually done it before? I can also relate this to my undergrad, I thougt I knew what was going to happen when I first steppe into my classroom for the first time. And a some things are predictable, but there are many things that come up that don't happen to you when your sitting in a lecture hall listening to a professor.
Although theory practice is valuable in a learning process, I rather have the hands on approach. Nothing like a real life experience.I rather know I am riding with a person that has actually driven a car than one that just read about it. Because both can be beneficial it would be good to have a mixture.
I wish there was a way to be an apprentice principal with limited duties/responsibilities - that way you could get your practical experience but at the same time not be so frazzled that you couldn't study theory. I think this would allow you to put some theory to use in a practical situations. I guess I'm saying both is the best way to go, but I wish you could do it at the same time to allow for application before you step into the big waters of assisstant principal or principal.
Hands on for me, practical application. Theory is great and I think I should be exposed to it and principles behind education, but I need to see and do. Theory doesn't teach you to read body language of a student or how to react to an angry parent. Those kind of things do happen with practical application, so I think it is best for me. Jacob Leonard, Carroll Co
I feel for my learning style I need a mix of both. I enjoy reading and learning about the theory, but nothing can prepare you like the hands-on approach. My internships have been a very valuable part of my experience through this whole program. It would not be the same without the practical applicaiton. Christy Sparks
I think both theory and experience are necessary. Theory is important for a foundation, to learn the basics and the different options for leadership syles. However, theory alone is not enough. One also needs to practice applying this theory to see what works best in what situation. A leader cannot lead without a knowledgeable foundation. Theory, however, is only an ideal. Therefore, experience applying this theory correctly provides the second step in the necessary training process.
I feel theory and practice would be the best learning combination for me. I do enjoy the theories, but I am learning so much more from the internship program this summer. The principal and assistant principal have given me support and put me in the situations to actually practice some of the theories we have read about. I also am observing and asking questions from leaders who are different from the leader at my "regular" school assignment. My favorite parts are the stories that are shared with me and real world paractical advice I am receiving from my mentors and Dr. Blankenship when we meet and discuss our weekly progress. Misty Zyvoloski
I agree with others that both are needed. Studying theory gives you the background knowledge you need to see where things have evolved from and what current research says is best practice. I like to see what other researchers are thinking to see how it fits with my opinions and experience. I've yet to have any practical experience in ed leadership with an internship but I know that those experiences will be very helpful. As we've studied, the future of education is all about relationships and community. The best way to get a feel for that is by seeing it in action and being a part of it. Angie Cornett
I think in order to be well rounded, both are needed. It is important to study theories to give you an insite of situations that have occured in the past, but practical learning is the one that gets your "feet wet" so to speak. The best way to learn how to do something is do it and practice it. It's easy to read about it and have knowledge on theories, but as someone mentioned above, shadowing would be a great way to get a bird's eye view of the "real" deal.
I would rather earn my degree through direct application personally yet I understand completely that both are needed. In order to obtain extensive understanding of your field, you must be familiar with all forms of study and/or experience. When combined together, theory and practical use can help solve extra-ordinary situations that may arise in the school setting.
I enjoy the theoretical education when it is used as the back drop to the practical education. I like to know how and why something is done or works rather than just following the status quo. I like math and I see this as being a logical or formulaic approch to the mind set involved in the decision-making process. Rusty
As a student who is finishing the last class of my program and who is just beginning the internship, I cannot see where I would be ready for a job as a principal without the internship. It's like I have this knowledge in my head and now I need opportunities to apply it, so that it becomes real. (Imagine how students feel when they only receive lecturing.) I do not think my program would be complete without having both theory and practical application. I agree that they must go hand in hand for the supervision and administration experience to be internalized for future use. M. Gillie
I have always been the type of person to learn from other's failures and mistakes. Therefore, I am better suited to learn by theory. I enjoy learning and reading about current trends and how it has worked or not worked for other schools. This way I could judge how it might work for me or my school before I try it out. This way I am most likely not wasting my time or the faculty and student's time. Shelly Goad
Both, actually. I believe the study of theory is needed to understand the changes in the field over the years, the different approaches to leadership and various methodologies used in employing those approaches, and so that you can begin to build a vision based in part on what you have learned from theory. Practical application, however, is something I would love to have. I remember the sheer terror of entering the middle school classroom for the first time; no amount of classwork, no number of well written papers, and no amount of research helps you prepare for that day. It would be ideal to shadow a (good) principal for a period of time to get a better idea of what the reality will be.
ReplyDeleteWell I have always been a tactile learner, so practical application would fit me best. Though theory is great for providing various ways of application and crucial when developing philosophy and reflection alternatives. Practical application I beleive gives one a sense of security when stepping into the school for the first time.
ReplyDeleteZack Dotson carroll co-hort
Being like so many of my students over the years, I would much prefer learning and earning my school leaders license/Master's Degree by experiencing a combination of the study of theory and practical application. Since “theories create the realities,” it would be impossible to separate the two. But, for me a more practical, hands-on approach would be more suitable. I believe that I would feel more comfortable and would have a clearer understanding of what was going on around me by experiencing various issues with a nurturing principal or assistant principal willing to help others experience success in the area of administration and education leadership. While we all would have to draw from the theories, practices and research in education, I believe that I would be more successful in a more practical setting. Movita Utt
ReplyDeleteI agree with Movita, the two ideas cannot be separated but I believe theory can only get you so far. I believe the pratical approach works the best for me because I need to see things happen and incorperate that into personal experiencies that could help me learn from my mistakes.
ReplyDeleteI agree that you cannot separate the two ideas. But I feel that practical application would fit my learning style best. I am a vision/hands-on learner and I learn more by doing a practice. Experiencing a theory or practice being utilized would be more effective to me because of the type of learner that I am. Thus, I feel that you cannot buy experience so that when your administrator days came you would be better prepared for situation that may occur in your school. Jamie Cain
ReplyDeleteWhile it is important to know the theories and reasoning behind what happens in education, for me the best way to learn is hands-on. While obtaining my licensure in education, I took many theoretical classes, classes which helped me write a lesson plan, and develop different ways of reaching to the different students, but I gained the most benefit from teaching a semester with an experienced teacher. While I am enjoying earning my school leadership degree and gaining a lot from the classes, I have a feeling I will benefit the most from actually applying those concepts in a school. -- Jennifer Campbell
ReplyDeleteI prefer to do both. I think that theory of practice is important and so is the hands-on approach. I think the two can be compared to the traditional method of leadership and the more reflective approach. They both work together. I do feel that the hands-on approach is more beneficial because it gives a chance to work on complex situations that there may not be a specific answer for. Concepts learned in theory can be applied to various situations in an actual school setting.
ReplyDeleteI also prefer both. I think that study of theory is important to understand if you are in a leadership position. Theory is something that you could reflect back on if you were not sure how to handle a situation. However, I think that practical applications are just as important as theory. Practical applications give you the option to handle various situations in many different ways. Therefore, I think they are both something that any principal should think about.
ReplyDeleteAmy Woodard
I would have to agree with the majority on preferring that I can achieve my school liscensure/Masters degree by both the theoritical and practical practices. I know from what little experience I have that in order to be successful, we have to do what is expected of us as individuals. There are some instances however where a more practical approach would be more suitable. I feel that I/we need to know what is expected to become an effective school leader and sometimes the study of theory puts it into perspective for me and allows me to know where I stand and what I need to do to be efficient. Also, I think a more practical way portrays ways of motivating and leading by character:(relationships, caring, teammwork). In any case, I feel that to be a successful administrator, one has to learn through study of theory and practical approaches to better prepare themselves for what lies ahead.
ReplyDeleteIsrael Easter
I believe that I need to study the theory of education and the models, but also practical application would benefit myself. I think that every administrator needs to know the theory behind what is being taught in the classroom and how it is being taught. On the other hand, seeing actual teaching and learning the “ropes” about the education system also provides a enormous experience that will be very valuable. Since I am a hands on learner I want to see how things are done in a real life situation, instead of how it is “suppose” to be done. That way when it comes time for me to make those important decisions I can remember the experiences that I have had and compare them to my situation.
ReplyDeleteCory Hawks
Carroll County Cohort
I would definatly perfer learning and earning my Masters'. I do better when I am imersed in the field I am trying to master, then to just have to learn different theories and book-learning. I like to develop my own ideas and feelings towards my careers goals, although I am extermely open to ideas and advice from those who have been there, that way I can pick and choose and develop my own methods based on research and application.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Ogle
I prefer learning/earning my school leaders license primarily through the study of theory. As I complete my internship and become employed as an assistance principal I will have the opportunity for lots of practical application. I seriously doubt that as a principal/assistant principal I will have the time and/or energy to devote to an in-depth study of the theory of leadership. Thanks, Marlin
ReplyDeleteI would prefer to learn my master degree by experiencing both the study of theory and also by practical application. Personally I am a much stronger learner in the practical field. I am very much a “hands on” learner when it comes to most things. However, I really feel like I need to have more of a study of theory approach, because you also make many of your own experiences by what you are learning. Over the last week of being an intern, I have learned many practical things about the job of being a principal. It came fairly easy. But, I have also come across many things that I have learned from this class that did come useful. So this summer experience tells me I need to try to be strong in both and concentrate more on the study of theory. Because they are they are the foundation of thing most important things you are going to have to practice as an administrator.
ReplyDeleteJason Morris
I feel that in order to become a successful administrator, both theory and practical learning are needed. I learn more from practical experience than from reading the theories. I feel that if you gain practical experience, you will in turn learn those theories, espeically if you have a mentor who would help point out those theories as they fit in with what I am doing. Pratical experience puts to test the theories you learn about. Theories also provide you with knowledge needed to make decisions.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Reed
I believe that we need to have knowledge of theories and practice, but nothing can replace experience. For me it's like, would you rather have someone rebuild the engine of your car that has done it 100 times or someone who has read a book on how to do it but never actually done it before? I can also relate this to my undergrad, I thougt I knew what was going to happen when I first steppe into my classroom for the first time. And a some things are predictable, but there are many things that come up that don't happen to you when your sitting in a lecture hall listening to a professor.
ReplyDeleteShane Reed CC
Although theory practice is valuable in a learning process, I rather have the hands on approach. Nothing like a real life experience.I rather know I am riding with a person that has actually driven a car than one that just read about it. Because both can be beneficial it would be good to have a mixture.
ReplyDeleteI wish there was a way to be an apprentice principal with limited duties/responsibilities - that way you could get your practical experience but at the same time not be so frazzled that you couldn't study theory. I think this would allow you to put some theory to use in a practical situations. I guess I'm saying both is the best way to go, but I wish you could do it at the same time to allow for application before you step into the big waters of assisstant principal or principal.
ReplyDeleteHands on for me, practical application. Theory is great and I think I should be exposed to it and principles behind education, but I need to see and do. Theory doesn't teach you to read body language of a student or how to react to an angry parent. Those kind of things do happen with practical application, so I think it is best for me.
ReplyDeleteJacob Leonard, Carroll Co
I feel for my learning style I need a mix of both. I enjoy reading and learning about the theory, but nothing can prepare you like the hands-on approach. My internships have been a very valuable part of my experience through this whole program. It would not be the same without the practical applicaiton. Christy Sparks
ReplyDeleteI think both theory and experience are necessary. Theory is important for a foundation, to learn the basics and the different options for leadership syles. However, theory alone is not enough. One also needs to practice applying this theory to see what works best in what situation. A leader cannot lead without a knowledgeable foundation. Theory, however, is only an ideal. Therefore, experience applying this theory correctly provides the second step in the necessary training process.
ReplyDeleteI feel theory and practice would be the best learning combination for me. I do enjoy the theories, but I am learning so much more from the internship program this summer. The principal and assistant principal have given me support and put me in the situations to actually practice some of the theories we have read about.
ReplyDeleteI also am observing and asking questions from leaders who are different from the leader at my "regular" school assignment.
My favorite parts are the stories that are shared with me and real world paractical advice I am receiving from my mentors and Dr. Blankenship when we meet and discuss our weekly progress. Misty Zyvoloski
I agree with others that both are needed. Studying theory gives you the background knowledge you need to see where things have evolved from and what current research says is best practice. I like to see what other researchers are thinking to see how it fits with my opinions and experience. I've yet to have any practical experience in ed leadership with an internship but I know that those experiences will be very helpful. As we've studied, the future of education is all about relationships and community. The best way to get a feel for that is by seeing it in action and being a part of it. Angie Cornett
ReplyDeleteI think in order to be well rounded, both are needed. It is important to study theories to give you an insite of situations that have occured in the past, but practical learning is the one that gets your "feet wet" so to speak. The best way to learn how to do something is do it and practice it. It's easy to read about it and have knowledge on theories, but as someone mentioned above, shadowing would be a great way to get a bird's eye view of the "real" deal.
ReplyDeleteI would rather earn my degree through direct application personally yet I understand completely that both are needed. In order to obtain extensive understanding of your field, you must be familiar with all forms of study and/or experience. When combined together, theory and practical use can help solve extra-ordinary situations that may arise in the school setting.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the theoretical education when it is used as the back drop to the practical education. I like to know how and why something is done or works rather than just following the status quo. I like math and I see this as being a logical or formulaic approch to the mind set involved in the decision-making process.
ReplyDeleteRusty
As a student who is finishing the last class of my program and who is just beginning the internship, I cannot see where I would be ready for a job as a principal without the internship. It's like I have this knowledge in my head and now I need opportunities to apply it, so that it becomes real. (Imagine how students feel when they only receive lecturing.) I do not think my program would be complete without having both theory and practical application. I agree that they must go hand in hand for the supervision and administration experience to be internalized for future use. M. Gillie
ReplyDeleteI have always been the type of person to learn from other's failures and mistakes. Therefore, I am better suited to learn by theory. I enjoy learning and reading about current trends and how it has worked or not worked for other schools. This way I could judge how it might work for me or my school before I try it out. This way I am most likely not wasting my time or the faculty and student's time.
ReplyDeleteShelly Goad