EJOLTs: Improving Practice as a Headteacher Through Living-Theory Research and Communicating Meanings of Embodied Values

Published papers

Improving Practice as a Headteacher Through Living-Theory Research and Communicating Meanings of Embodied Values

Exploring an extended role for legitimizing self-study action research projects: from examiners' perspectives - final submission accepted for publication for June 2014 issue
Making Magic - - final submission accepted for publication for June 2014 issue

Joy and I have just submitted a paper for consideration:

Abstract
This multimedia-narrative shows a head-teacher researching her practice to improve it, employing a Living-Theory methodology. Various forms of representation are used to communicate values-based explanations of educational influence in learning of self, other and social formations, as a contribution to educational theory, research and practice in teaching and teacher education. The paper shows how the creation of such an account does not simply include scholarly work that goes beyond print and written text; it shows how the process of creating an account that communicates meanings of embodied values is integral to Living-Theory research as scholarly work and continual professional development.

Looking forward to working with reviewers with the hope it may be accepted for publication by EJOLTs

Marie

jmmhejolts080913.doc

Hi, Marie and Joy. Please understand that these are just my impressions and I am trying to be a good reviewer. I do like Joy's (and your) work. There is truly wonderful work here both in the writing and in the practice.

I feel that the point of the article needs to be clearer. Is it about the learning that took place during the writing of the master of education degree? The structure needs to be clearer in terms of guidelines for the reader and when it is a current voice and when it is quotation from the thesis. Also the voice is primarily hers and if this is a joint paper, it needs to include both voices. I have made some notes on the paper.

I have written some edits on the attached paper.

I am happy to chat about the paper on SKYPE and to read through any amendments.

Love, Jackie

jmmhejolts080913-1edit.doc

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Hi Marie and Joy

I am in the process of reviewing this paper; however owing to staffing shortages in my unit I'm running behind. My sincere apologies for this, but I'll try and make time to complete the review next week.

Warm regards

Pip

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Dear Joy and Marie

I have now completed the review of this paper. There are some wonderful moments in it, and some lovely learning.

However, I got quite confused over 'voice' at times, with who is meant to be the 'I', 'we' and 'our'. Sometimes it feels as though it's Joy and her school/students; other times the two of you. I think you need to signpost more clearly at times.

I also think you need to warn the reader when lengthy quotes from Joy's thesis are coming up. I can see WHY you have included this work, but one does begin to wonder whether the 'quote' has finished and the 'paper' recommenced.

I don't know if these are issues that Jackie picked up (I didn't read her appended document before reviewing). I do think the work is worth publishing, but a little more signposting and streamlining would help considerably I think. My track changed version is attached, with further comment. (I didn't bother correcting typos in the 'pasted from thesis' section, assuming that it's already published so there was no point).

All the best, and do stay with this - the work deserves a wider audience!

Warm regards

Pip

Joy_and_Marie_s_paper_EJOLTS_Pip_s_comments.doc

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Hi Pip and Jackie - Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to respond to our paper in a way that provides us with an excellent critical response in a compassionate manner. You have both given us much to think about which will be most helpful as we begin to redraft. Marie

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Hi Jackie and Pip - your responses have been much appreciated and we have redrafted the paper accordingly. We hope that it is now much clearer and look forward to hearing what you think of it. Marie

jmmhejolts200414.doc

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Hi, Marie and Joy. I hope that you find that my intentions are to be a good and helpful reviewer. I enjoyed the concepts/values expressed in the article. In particular, Loving Recognition and Loving Responsiveness are significant values as standards of judgment. If only every child (and adult) could experience them. Living-Theory methodology is clearly defined and followed.

I find that there is work needed in the flow of the paper:

The changes in voice are confusing for the reader (me). It needs to be clear who is speaking.

I think that more headings as signposts will assist in the understanding of the argument and who is speaking at the time. Also, you might provide an overview of the contents of the article at the start and transitions from one heading to the next.

It is not clear to me where Joy is speaking in the present and where the narrative is drawn from the thesis. The indentations need to be consistent and might be explained.

I have not done an edit of the references but that should be done.

Please let me know how I can help.

Love, Jackie

jmmhejolts080913jddreview.doc

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Hi, Marie and Joy. This is a much-improved paper-very clear and easy to read. I have enclosed my detailed response. I feel that it is ready for publication. Well done.

Love, Jackie

jmejolts190414 (1)reviewjdd.doc

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Hi Jackie - many thanks for your help. Attached is the latest iteration which I hope responds to all the points you make. Joy wanted it to be published under both our names so I have made amendments accordingly. I hope you feel this is still appropriate- Marie

jmmhejolts230414.doc

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