Transformational Leadership: Motivating Students to Learn

Abstract

Topic / Problem Statement: Transformational leaders encourage, inspire, and motivate others. Understanding transformational leadership will allow teachers to create positive environments for their students to be successful. The transformational leadership model can be used by teachers to lead by example, which in turn encourages students to greater levels of achievement. Context: Transformational leadership has been described as the leaders ability to engage and connect with followers to reach an individuals maximum potential (Winston & Patterson, 2006, p. 219). Bass (1985), described transformational leadership as the relationship of leaders and supporters having a direct effect on each other and that transformational leaders gather trust and appreciation from their supporters. The transformation process requires teacher leaders to rethink their roles and responsibilities in school (Gunn, 2018). Grounding: Transformational leaders have specific behaviors that make him or her transformational. The behaviors are (1) idealized impact, (2) intellectual incitement, and (3) attributed charisma (Khan & Ismail, 2017, p. 2). Rowold and Schloltz (2009), posit the leader who uses transformational style emphasizes higher motive development, and arouses followers motivation and positive emotions by means of creating and representing an inspiring vision of the future (p. 36). Approach: Learning about transformational leadership allows participants the opportunity to look at them as a leader and feel more comfortable about leadership. As teachers advocate for themselves and their students, they will feel more confident as a leader to make the needed changes in education. The role of a leader is not only to provide leadership to followers but also to build and maintain an organization, which is successful. Dey (2012), described transformational leadership as, the process whereby an individual engaged with others and creates a connection that raises the level of motivation and morality in both the leader and the follower (p. 65). Within a classroom the teacher is the leader and the students are the followers however a transformational leader / teacher will work to create more leaders within the classroom. How teachers can use transformational leadership to help their students learn: 1) Transformational leaders emphasize collaboration within their classroom by students to students and teachers to students. 2) Transformational leaders mentor students allowing for students to grow and succeed. 3) Transformational leaders use their story to inspire their students. Reflection / Discussion / Lessons Learned: Transformational leaders impact student learning and success in a variety of ways. Teacher Leaders are willing to take risks and view failures as steps in the growth process. Teacher leaders invite diverse perspectives and use feedback to grow as a leader. Teacher leaders are decisive leaders who seek input from others when making decisions. Teacher leaders seek input and feedback from all stakeholders throughout the decision-making process. Teacher leaders focus on transformational goals that will lead to dramatic changes in student achievement and professional practice (Teacher Leaders, 2016). Teachers who understand and are able to reflect on their leadership will be able to see how their leadership plays a role in their students success and be able to take the components of transformational leadership and apply them to their practice. What is Transformational Teaching in the classroom? 1) Making sure students know the why of their work? Especially in adults when they are more likely to learn if they know how the work will affect their lives. 2) Make the classroom exciting and inspiring for students to learn. 3) Pay attention to individual differences and personalize learning experiences for the students. 4) Conference with students with the goal of understanding the students needs. 5) Provide positive and constructive feedback. What can you do to become a transformational leader / teacher? 1) Share best practices Collaboration 2) Find a mentor Even with years of experience finding someone you can trust and rely on is critical. 3) Observe other teachers Be open to learning from others outside of what you directly teach. 4) Make changes every semester or year This could be books, assignments, syllabus, etc. 5) Model for your students 6) Care for your students The role of a teacher transcends beyond the classroom References:: Albanese,, J., & Paturas, J. (2018). 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