Inside the Staffroom
HOW TO DEVELOP STUDENT LEADERSHIP IN
YOUR SCHOOL.
BY CHASSIE SELOUANE
be given the opportunity to resolve
them on their own without adult
interference. Adults should only get
involved if students fail to resolve the
conflict on their own.
H
ow can schools develop
student leadership? First of all,
it is imperative to determine
what leadership is and why is
it important to foster it in children. Dr.
Stephen Covey stated that “Leadership
is communicating people’s worth
and potential, so clearly that they are
inspired to see it in themselves.” The
concept of leadership is something that
isn’t normally associated with children,
however, if we often underestimate
the capabilities of children and their
leadership abilities and potential to
use them in their own lives, then we
miss a great opportunity to benefit
from the gifts and talents of our young
people. It is important to encourage in
children, an awareness of an ability to
develop their own strengths. Covey’s
The 7 Habits of the Highly Effective
People, can be a natural fit to use
with students to help them in leading
their own lives and influencing those
around them. Here are a few ways
that Teachers and Administrators can
merge the 7 Habits into their activities
and develop a partnership between all
stakeholders, that empowers students
with the leadership and life skills they
need to thrive in the 21st century.
for success in the future.
Encouraging Students to create goals
both personally and academically is
great to do. Habits 1-3 also teaches
them responsibility and accountability.
It is important that students
understand that they are the ones who
are responsible for these goals and are
expected to do the right thing without
being asked, even when no one is
looking.
Habits 4-6: Think Win Win, seek
first to understand, then to be
understood. These habits teach
and encourage students to practice
listening skills, conflict resolution,
teamwork skills and creativity.
Teachers
and
Administrators
should take a look at the leadership
opportunities in the school and focus
on creating opportunities for students
to be able to balance courage in
going after their goals while showing
consideration for what others want.
Should conflicts arise, students should
Habits 1-3: Be Proactive, begin
with The End in Mind, and Put First
Things First. Foster planning, goal
setting and time-management skills in
your students. These skills are crucial
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Class Time
Students should be given the
opportunity to lead throughout the
school on multiple levels both inside
and outside of the classroom. When
given a chance to truly make an impact
in their learning community, students
are capable of producing amazing
results. Teachers often have class jobs
and administrators often have Student
Councils, but what do these roles really
mean in your school. Opportunities
should be more than just a line leader,
or board eraser. Opportunities should
be created to empower students
to serve in roles such as; classroom
greeters, school tour guides, Student
Council/ Judicial Council members,
Charity Council members and Light
house committee members, to name
just a few.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw. This helps
students to understand the importance
of taking care of themselves, socially,
emotionally, physically, mentally and
spiritually. Learning to find balance
or harmony in life, is an important life
skill. Teachers and Administrators can
work to implement activities that allow
students to explore new adventures on
a regular basis. These activities could
be implemented weekly, monthly or
by term. Mindfulness week, where
students are taught the importance
of meditation and relaxation through
Yoga, is a great example. Teachers
and administrators could also create
opportunities to explore different fun
activities (sports, games, arts, group
discussions) during lunch and recess
breaks on a regular basis to promote
the importance of Sharpening the Saw.
Chassie Selouane has a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Education, a Master’s of
Education Degree- Curriculum Instruction with a Specialization in ESL Education,
a PMC in ESL Education, a PMC in Instructional Leadership & is a dual candidate
for a PHD in ESL and PHD in Instructional Leadership. Chassie is an Edmodo
Ambassador & Certified Edmodo Trainer. She serves as the GCC ASCD UAE
Ambassador. Chassie is the founding Director of Learning at Rising School Dubai.