Collaborative learning from personal cases in a principal preparation programme

Existing preparation programmes for school principals have been widely
criticized for failing to prepare their students adequately for their future roles.
This study investigated a workshop at a principal preparation programme
which focused on collaborative learning from personal real-life cases,
exploring its potential contribution to the professional development of
aspiring principals. Using qualitative methodology, we investigated 99
journal entries written by 12 aspiring principals who had participated in such
a workshop. Data analysis revealed three benefits of this way of learning: (1)
developing a multidimensional view; (2) acquiring applicable knowledge;
and (3); nurturing the ability to doubt. Analysis suggests that collaborative
learning from personal cases may be an appropriate pedagogical approach
for principal preparation programmes; however, there are some concerns
worthy of attention.