This unit provides an introduction to educational administration as a field of specialised study. It examines traditional (and) emerging paradigms in the study of educational administration, with specific emphasis on the theoretical and conceptual constructs important for understanding administration of value-based educational learning environments. The unit helps students develop a critical awareness of the values underlying various approaches to the study of administration and leadership in learning environments. Students are challenged to reflect on their own administrative and leadership practice in the light of relevant research findings in the literature with a view to improving their practice.