Download - William Allan Kritsonis, PhD - Postmodern Thinking

Strategies for Implementing Postmodern Theory and Practice in

Educational Leadership for Improving Education in the United States of America

William Allan Kritsonis, PhDProfessor

PhD Program in Educational LeadershipPrairie View A & M UniversityThe Texas A&M University System

Introduction

The Modernist theory has dominated Educational Administration since it’s inception.

In order for change to occur and for the system to strengthen, there must be a paradigm shift

in our way of thinking and the Postmodernist theory guides this change.

The purpose of this presentation is to introduce strategies for implementing Postmodern theory and practice in educational leadership.

© 2010 William Allan Kritsonis, PhD

Strategies to Guide the Postmodern Theoretical Paradigm

• There must be an end of the idea that there is one single field of study that answers every question.

• The idea of a one known “knowledge base” must be abandoned and educators must begin to explore “new” practices to remedy “old” problems.

• Epistemology, axiology, and metaphysics must be explored.

(c) 2010 William Allan Kritsonis, PhD


• The notion of an “Administrative Science” must end. This will help to end the production of technicians and bureaucrats who “fit into the status quo” (English, 2003).

• Administrators must to be allowed to epistemologically reflect on situations to metaphysically realize how to make contributions to the field of educational administration. Status quo should not be an option. (c) 2010 William Allan Kritsonis, PhD


• There must be an end to the thought that there is only one right method to solve a problem.

• Leaders must be allowed to think and lead.

• Postmodernism allows reflection on a variety of epistemologies.



• Educational leaders must be oriented to many approaches rather than “being grounded in one world view” (English, 2003).

• These leaders should be familiar with a variety of epistemologies.


Strategies to Guide the Postmodern Practical Paradigm

• Educational Leaders must understand that theory is embedded in every practice even if they are not familiar with the theory.English states that “if we keep on using the same old theories we will continue to get the same old results” (English, 2003).



• The system must recognize that our certification and licensure are at 20 years or more years behind the times.

• Schools will remain static as long as the current improvement models remain the same.



• The engagement of ineffective “police functions” must cease.

• The enforcement agencies only force conformity among schools and scholarly pursuits are also discouraged.



• There needs to be an end to internship experiences.

• These internships merely reinforce habits of practice and do not provide any systematic and fundamental change.


Wrapping It Up…

In conclusion, Postmodernism is about accepting new world views. Educational Leaders must make adjustments and recognize that change is absolutely essential and necessary. According to English, there are no ideas, laws, standards, or behaviors that are absolute. A new order can and will be established as soon as new thoughts, ideas, and attitudes are explored.


Reference

English, F. W. (2003). The postmodern challenge to the theory and

practice of educational administration. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.


Download - William Allan Kritsonis, PhD - Postmodern Thinking

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