Chitpin, Stephanie

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use the Objective Knowledge Growth Framework (OKGF) in the development and maintenance of the Canadian Principal Learning Network (CPLN) to advance principals’ knowledge and skills in the area of decision making. First, the paper presents the inception of the CPLN, to assist principals in making decisions and resolving common problems. Second, the evolution of the CPLN web site is presented and recount the challenges faced and collaborative solved by principals. Finally, the paper describes the OKGF based on the critical rationalism of Karl Popper and how principals, engaging and interacting in an online learning community (CPLN) informed their decision-making process. Design/methodology/approach – The paper mindfully assembled an international team of researchers with administration experience, curriculum knowledge and pedagogy, and whose research interests lay in educational leadership, education administration, change theory, educational policy and professional learning. Also in addition, principals who were current graduate students, and new researchers also joined the research team. Findings – The CPLN web site using OKGF, is a step forward in providing principals with a structure and a venue to be reflective and collaborative. However, getting them to interact with each other in a collaborative, reflective online learning community was not an easy feat at the beginning (Lieberman and Miller, 2008; Louis and Kruse, 1995; Schmoker, 2006; Wagner and Kegan, 2006; Bryk et al., 2010; McLaughlin and Talbert, 2002; Stoll and Louis, 2007). The study shows principals find the need for a place to reflect, discuss, experiment, practice and learn and, for this group of principals, that place is the CPLN. Originality/value – This study provides a model for principals’ learning in an online learning community using the OKGF. As well, it shows that powerful leadership does not just take place during preparation programmes, but that principals need to continue to learn as they lead in their respective schools (Mitgang and Maeroff, 2008). Sharing of the challenges faced and the learning that occurred principals are capable of addressing not only the challenges posed in their schools but also, as numerous researchers note (Fry et al., 2006; Levine, 2005; Mitgang and Maeroff, 2008), of surviving the job themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key words: Canadian Principal Learning Network；Decision making；Karl Popper；
Objective Knowledge Growth Framework；Online professional learning community

总结：充分显示了强大的领导能力并不仅仅发生在准备程序，校长要不断地学习，才能使他们在各自的学校（Mitgang和Maeroff，2008）领先。

来源：International Journal of Educational Management. 2014, Vol. 28 Issue 2, p215-229. 15p.