Subject 8: 014229
Investigating Learning and Innovation (Capstone)
Goals
Goal 1 – Integrating learning across the course
To synthesise learning from across the Master of Education (Learning and Leadership) program, connecting theories of learning, leadership, research, and innovation to develop a coherent understanding of professional impact in educational contexts.
Goal 2 – Investigating a problem of practice
To investigate a meaningful issue within my professional context, focusing on areas such as inclusive education, student engagement, teacher capability, and school improvement, and to explore how innovative learning practices can address these challenges.
Goal 3 – Applying research-informed approaches to professional learning
To apply research-informed inquiry to analyse professional practice, drawing on scholarly literature and reflection to inform and justify innovation in educational settings.
Goal 4 – Understanding innovation and change in education
To examine how learning and innovation occur within complex educational systems, recognising the influence of leadership, collaboration, and organisational culture on sustainable change.
Goal 5 – Reflecting on professional identity and future leadership
To critically reflect on my development throughout the Master of Education and consider how this learning shapes my professional identity as a reflective practitioner, research-informed educator, and aspiring school leader.
Linking Statement
These Subject Learning Goals align closely with my Professional Context Statement and the broader Course Learning Goals, which emphasise inclusive practice, reflective leadership, and evidence-informed decision-making in complex educational environments. As an inclusion teacher working in a diverse Queensland primary school context, I regularly navigate the intersection of student needs, staff capability, and organisational priorities. Investigating learning and innovation therefore provides an opportunity to examine professional practice more deeply and to explore how meaningful improvements can be implemented in real school settings.
This capstone subject builds upon learning developed across the Master of Education program. Earlier subjects such as Learning and its Trajectories explored how learning develops through relational and contextual processes, while Learning in the Digital Age examined how technology and ethics shape contemporary learning environments. The subject Research Practices for Professional Impact further strengthened my research literacy and ability to critically analyse evidence in order to inform professional decision-making.
Investigating Learning and Innovation represents the culmination of this learning by bringing together theory, research, and professional practice through a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) project. Through this process, I will investigate a real problem of practice within my professional context and apply research-informed approaches to design or justify innovative responses. This subject therefore strengthens my ability to lead evidence-informed improvement and supports my development as a reflective practitioner and emerging educational leader committed to inclusive and sustainable change in school communities.
Wrapping Up
