Double-loop Learning: A Coaching Protocol for Enhancing Principal Instructional Leadership

Authors

  • Gary W. Houchens Western Kentucky University
  • Janet Hurt Logan County Schools
  • Rebecca Stobaugh Western Kentucky University
  • John L. Keedy University of Louisville

https://doi.org/10.4471/qre.2012.08

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Abstract

Executive coaching has become increasingly commonplace in both the corporate and non-profit sectors as a means of improving professional effectiveness but there is a dearth of empirically-based protocols geared specifically toward the growth needs of school principals. This qualitative case study explores the implementation of a principal coaching protocol using a theories of practice framework based on concepts originally articulated by Argyris and Schön (1974) and further explicated by the authors in previous publications. This study examined the extent to which a coaching protocol based on theories of practice enhanced principals’ self-perceived capacity for reflection and effective instructional leadership. Findings suggest that principals valued the structure, feedback, and reflective dimensions of the protocol and found their confidence level about an important instructional leadership problem - how to support and assist struggling teachers improve their teaching practice - was greatly enhanced. Implications for further iterations of the coaching protocol, as well as future directions of research on principal professional growth, are discussed.

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Author Biographies

Gary W. Houchens, Western Kentucky University

Ph.D., is associate professor in the Department of Educational Administration, Leadership, & Research at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. Email:gary.houchens@wku.edu

Janet Hurt, Logan County Schools

Ph.D., is associate superintendent of the Logan County Schools in Russellville, KY. Email: janet.hurt@logan.kyschools.us

Rebecca Stobaugh, Western Kentucky University

Ph.D., is assistant professor in the School of Teacher Education at Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY. Email: rebecca.stobaugh@wku.edu

John L. Keedy, University of Louisville

Ph.D., recently retired as professor from the Department of Leadership, Foundations, & Human Resource Education at the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. Email:keedy@louisvill.edu

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Published

2012-10-30

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How to Cite

Houchens, G. W., Hurt, J., Stobaugh, R., & Keedy, J. L. (2012). Double-loop Learning: A Coaching Protocol for Enhancing Principal Instructional Leadership. Qualitative Research in Education, 1(2), 135–178. https://doi.org/10.4471/qre.2012.08

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Articles