DEVELOPING SKILLS AND STRATEGIES
Teaching and leadership deserves an entirely different chapter, or even its own
discipline, but what teachers can take away from it is the importance of mastering the
core processes, language, and procedures which can later be applied in the real world
to solve problems and provide critical analysis on a local level. Tools that can used
for this are not just classes, but also reading, as well as active participation in classes
and reflection after each new lesson.
As future leaders and decision makers, students need to be able to tackle the
pressures and the challenges that will sure come their way. Having them develop the
skills of critical thinking, along with all the proven methods and tool which are used to
battle complex problems, is an absolute must, because it will help them identify the
cause of each issue, as well as its constituting parts, and figure of the best course of
action they need to take in order to solve them.
More science should be used, because it faithfully represents the challenges students
will come across in their careers. This goes double if they are studying for a degree in
one of the STEM disciplines. While standardized test have their place, teachers should
encourage students to take part in science fairs, and education leaders should back
them up by introducing standards which can validate this approach and make it
measurable.
Developing communication skills is essential for all kinds of leaders, because it allows
for proper conflict resolution and constructive dialog which enables ideas to flow
between both sides. Education leaders need to keep in mind that communication goes
both ways. It’s not just about addressing others, but it also about listening and
receiving useful feedback, and developing a debate containing critiques, arguments,
and suggestions.
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