Item request has been placed! ×
Item request cannot be made. ×
loading  Processing Request

Coaching: An Approach for Leadership Development in the Singapore Education System

Item request has been placed! ×
Item request cannot be made. ×
loading   Processing Request
Read More Add to Saved list
  • Author(s): Boon, Zoe Suan Loy (ORCID Boon, Zoe Suan Loy (ORCID 0000-0002-1757-0224)
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education. 2022 11(1):89-103.
  • Publication Date:
    2022
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      15
    • Subject Terms:
      Leadership Training; Instructional Leadership; Principals; Coaching (Performance); Administrator Attitudes; Interpersonal Relationship; Safety; Metacognition; Supervision; Foreign Countries; Faculty Development
    • Subject Terms:
      Singapore
    • Accession Number:
      10.1108/IJMCE-09-2021-0089
    • ISSN:
      2046-6854
    • Abstract:
      Purpose: This paper aims to explore coaching as an approach to developing school leaders in the Singapore education system. It takes a close look at the nature of coaching experiences of beginning principals and principal-trainers, as well as the related benefits and challenges. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative inquiry approach was adopted, and four beginning principals and three principal-trainers were interviewed. An emergent coding method was deployed in data analysis. Findings: Beginning principals described a positive, helpful and empowering coaching experience when coached by principal-trainers. The latter skillfully asked questions in a safe, non-threatening space for deeper self-reflection. In the process, beginning principals gained greater self-awareness and self-empowerment, and appreciated the shared context of school leadership. While coaching is a useful leadership development approach, inherent implementation challenges were identified. Research limitations/implications: Coaching as a system-wide strategy to support school leaders in Singapore has only recently been implemented. Further research using a larger sample is recommended as coaching becomes more pervasive. Practical implications: The findings revealed a compelling case for a more pervasive adoption of coaching as an approach to support leadership development. Coaching facilitates effective school leadership, and there is scope for self-coaching, peer coaching and coach supervision of principals, middle leaders and classroom teachers. Originality/value: This paper highlights the nature and positive impact of principalship coaching within a specific policy and cultural context of the Singapore education system. It adds to the body of literature on principal preparation, development and support.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2022
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1336261