Brandt (2003) offers ten ways to determine if a school indeed meets the criteria of a learning organization. The first characteristic of a learning organization is that it encourages adaptive behavior in response to differing circumstances. The second is that the learning organization has challenging, but achievable objectives and goals. The third is that members of the organization can accurately identify the organizations' stages of development (Brandt, 2003).
The learning organization can collect, process, and act upon information that fits their purposes (Brandt, 2003). Learning organizations have the knowledge base for creating new ideas. The learning organization has the ability to grow and adapt. They are dynamic and in a constant process of evolution. Learning organizations frequently exchange information with external sources (Brandt, 2003). This happens in educational workshops, in-services, and conferences.
Another feature of the learning organization is that is seeks feedback on their products and services (Brandt, 2003). In the school system, this means more than simply raising standardized test scores. It means gathering detailed feedback from teachers, students, and parents about their experiences in the school system. Learning organizations continually refine their basic process and integrate the information that they obtain from these various resources (Brandt, 2003). The learning organization creates a supportive, rather than a restrictive organizational culture where people are allowed to grow and express their ideas (Brandt, 2003).
The final characteristic of a learning organization is that it represents an open, rather than a closed system (Brandt, 2003). Old paradigms viewed the school as existing in a closed system where tradition often determined school policy and the integration of new information. This type of environment created followers, rather than leaders. The new learning organization emphasizes the development of leadership potential in every individual within the system. Every member of the staff is seen as an important member of the learning team with valuable experience and input to share. This new paradigm is the basis for team leadership development in school systems.
Under older educational paradigms, the student was viewed as a recipient of the educational system. The new school model views the student as an important part of the learning team (McLeod, 2003). Under this new paradigm, diversity is revered, rather than discouraged. The diverse attitudes and views of the students are taken into consideration in curriculum development and teaching methods (McLeod, 2003).
Messages from popular culture have an impact on students and the way in which they learn. Pop culture has an impact on student achievement and attitudes. Students in today's schools are concerned about rap music, social injustice, and resistance (Gause, 2004). Including the students as part of the learning team means the development of a curriculum and methods that are relevant to the student population and that reflect their interests. They are much more likely to want to learn if the material is interesting and relevant to the world in which they live.
Team Teaching and School Effectiveness
Team teaching is the latest trend in curriculum development and cooperative education. Team teaching refers to a course that is taught by two or more teachers. In this model, both teachers take turns presenting the material and assisting with classroom duties (Leavitt, 2006). This teaching style forces teachers to come outside of their own walls and explore new methods of teaching material. They must interact with other members of the teaching staff. They cannot remain isolated inside of their classroom. This model of classroom learning encourages staff development through active sharing of ideas and techniques.
Team teaching places all members of the staff on an equal level and encourages the development of leadership skills among all staff members. They become active contributors to the evolution of teaching skills within the school system. Principals that encourage team teaching develop greater team cohesion and a sense of importance among staff members (Leavitt, 2006). Team teaching is an excellent way to encourage the development of leadership skills among staff members.
The concept of team teaching is not new and has been around sine the mid-1990s at the height of educational reform (Berenstein, 2006). However, in practice, team teaching is relatively new, as are many of the ideas expressed in research into school administration and the new leadership paradigm. Research is just beginning to appear regarding the effectiveness of these new educational approaches. Carpenter, Crawford, & Walden (2007) compared team teaching with solo teaching and found that there were no significant changes in student test scores between the two methods. However, this study...
Leadership style being employed in the case study covering the City Academy Bristol is what some experts might call participative and/or collaborative leadership. A collaborative leadership style allows for all participants to have a voice, and in this case study, the students are asked to assume the role of leader and participant while engaging in activities that call for collaboration, and participation. As one recent study determined "collaborative leadership practices
Leadership in the School Settings The concept of distributed leadership in the educational setting The application of distributed leadership in a middle school setting The benefits of distributed leadership Servant leadership In this paper, we present an analysis of servant leadership as well as distributed leadership as well as a description of how they can be used in the educational settings. The paper presents an elaborate discussion of how one might implement an initiative
Leadership Skills Impact International Education CHALLENGES OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION Practical Circumstances of International schools THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION What is Effective Leadership for Today's Schools? Challenges of Intercultural Communication Challenges of Differing Cultural Values Importance of the Team Leadership Style LEADERSHIP THEORIES Current Leadership Research Transformational Leadership Skills-Authority Contingency Theories APPLYING LEADERSHIP IN AN INTERNATIONAL SETTING Wagner's "Buy-in" vs. Ownership Understanding the Urgent Need for Change Research confirms what teachers, students, parents and superintendents have long known: the individual school is the key unit
Nursing There are more than two methods that can be used to display leadership regarding an interdisciplinary team even if the person is not in a formal leadership position. One of the methods used can be to always present a positive attitude, even when faced with formidable events or challenges. Presenting a positive attitude at all times allows others to draw strength from your actions and to present positive attitudes that
Essay Topic Examples 1. The Role of Teacher Leadership in Promoting Classroom Engagement: This essay could explore how teachers can act as leaders to foster a more engaged learning environment. It could examine strategies that encourage active participation, collaboration, and a community feeling within the classroom. 2. Student-Centered Leadership: Empowering Students in the Learning Process: Focus on how leadership in the classroom does not solely rest on the teacher, but also involves empowering students.
Sun Tzu informs that we cannot punish people until they feel loyalty to us: namely, until they consider themselves members of our group. 10. Keep them guessing This quality may be pertinent only to leaders of a business / corporation. Her Sun Tzu advises keeping one's strategies and plans concealed from one's competitor so that one retains competitive advantage. III. Conclusion The Art of War, maintains Sun Tzu, is "a matter of life
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now