A narrative inquiry into schooling in China: three images of the principalship

Abstract

This narrative inquiry exploring contemporary Chinese schooling involved three researchers who worked collaboratively as a team. Each researcher resonated with a different image of the principalship embedded in the storied account proffered by Xu Xiaozhang 校长, leader of Hexie Elementary School in Tianjin, China. (1) Principal as the lead teacher; (2) principal as an agent of a harmonious learning community; and (3) principal as a teacher-maker were the images Principal Xu held and expressed. In the interpretive analysis, Xu Xiaozhang’s images of principal were nested one within the other in ways that brought Deweyan pragmatism and Confucian thought fruitfully together. The subtle nuances of the images provide an upclose view of schooling on one elementary campus in China that is of international interest and value.

Keywords:

• principal images
• narrative inquiry
• teaching and leading
• cultural context
• intercultural learning

Acknowledgements

The authors thank ‘Principal Xu’ for sharing her stories of experience with them and the patient way she handled our questions across time and place. They also appreciate the help of Xiao Han, a research assistant, and Shijing Xu, who provided us with helpful feedback during the formative stages of this paper’s preparation. This research was supported by the Asian American Studies Center. The centre’s mission is to generate knowledge, increase awareness and foster appreciation of the Asian and Asian American experience in the ‘US’ and abroad and to provide faculty, students and community members with rich opportunities to learn about Asian and Asian American cultures. This work was first presented as a paper at the American Educational Research Meeting held in Vancouver, Canada, in April 2012.

Notes

1. In conversations, the Chinese frequently addressed Principal as Xu Xiaozhang, Laoshi, which means Teacher.

2. The pseudonym, Hexie Elementary School, means Harmony Elementary School when translated from Mandarin into English.

3. Rainbow Deng spoke flawless English and previously attended an institution of higher learning in the USA.

4. In 2013, Xu Xiaozhang 校长 retired as a principal and is now substitute teaching at Hexie to supplement her retirement income and to fulfill her desire to teach and to serve.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cheryl J. Craig

Cheryl J. Craig, PhD, is a Professor in University of Houston CUIN, 304E Farish Hall, 4800 Calhoun, Houston, TX, 77204-5027, USA;

Yali Zou

Yali Zou, PhD, is a Professor and Director, Center for Asian American Studies, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA.

Rita P. Poimbeauf

Rita P. Poimbeauf, EdD, is a Researcher in the Center for Asian American Studies, College of Education, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA.