The purpose of this study is to explore the various incidents experienced and the resulting internal growth process over approximately four years of appointment as the Head of Scinece Information Department, using the autoethnographic methodology. The...
The purpose of this study is to explore the various incidents experienced and the resulting internal growth process over approximately four years of appointment as the Head of Scinece Information Department, using the autoethnographic methodology. The research questions are as follows:
First, what experiences did I have in the process of adapting to the role of Head of Science and Information Department?
Second, how did I grow as the Head of Science and Information Department?
Third, what is the significance of my experience as the Head of Science and Information Department to me as a teacher?
To address these research questions, the researcher employed autoethnography, a qualitative research method. Autoethnography allows for deep reflection and analysis by making the researcher's own experiences the subject of study, making it suitable for exploring one's inner world and identity formation process. The researcher collected and analyzed various data including memory data, self-reflection materials, and cultural artifacts.
The main research findings are as follows:
First, in the process of adapting to the role of Head of Science and Information Department, the researcher initially experienced feelings of bewilderment and difficulty but gradually developed a sense of ease in carrying out tasks in their own way. While initially struggling with the complexity and unfamiliarity of the work, over time, understanding of the job increased and confidence grew.
Second, professional expertise significantly improved through roles such as operating an open chat room for the Science and Information Department and growing as an external training instructor. These experiences provided new challenges for the researcher, during which leadership skills and professional knowledge grew together.
Third, the expanded role as a position teacher led to difficulties in the role of homeroom teacher and in relationships with fellow teachers. Concerns arose from not being able to spend sufficient time with students due to heavy workload and reduced interaction time with colleague teachers.
These experiences instilled a sense of pride and responsibility as an educator in the researcher and provided an opportunity for reflection on the overall education system.
Based on these research results, the following conclusions were drawn:
First, a systematic support system is needed for the development of professional competence for position teachers. It is necessary to develop and operate systematic training programs for position teachers at the education office level.
Second, policy efforts are needed to reduce the workload of position teachers. Policy support is needed, such as reducing the number of teaching hours for position teachers or assigning personnel to support administrative work.
Third, it is necessary to develop programs to strengthen the leadership capabilities of position teachers. Leadership education programs targeting position teachers need to be developed and operated.
Fourth, personnel policies that can utilize the experience and expertise of position teachers are needed. Personnel placement should be made considering the expertise and experience of position teachers.