Lucy A. Arendt & Robin Sronce
The students: Juniors and seniors, most studying management Class size: (smaller = better)
Students will recall and understand the basic philosophies, theories, concepts, techniques, and terminology of leadership. Students will apply the practical tools and techniques of leadership to novel and concrete situations. Students will have a well-informed and sophisticated understanding of the personal side of leadership, the leader as relationship builder, and the leader as social architect. Students will communicate leadership concepts effectively through writing, speaking, and listening.
Students will assess and develop their own leadership potential
If we want students to assess and develop their own leadership potential, then maybe we need to turn over the running of the class … to our students! For us, that means …
Students lead and actively engage in provocative conversation and thoughtful feedback. Not just for part of the class Not as part of a quick in-class exercise Thoughts so far?
Maybe
Course Participation Discussion Leaders Discussion Participants Leader Feedback Course Assignments Reading Response Papers Film Cases Final Project Learning to BE a leader, rather than simply learning ABOUT leadership.
Theory and practice, practice and theory Over and over Via discussion Via reading response papers Via film cases Via final project
What would scare you about teaching this way?
Relinquish control Fear material won’t be covered or incorrectly presented Don’t step in Allow mistakes to be corrected by group Meet with students individually before and after session Be task- and relation-oriented
Give honest feedback Provide opportunity for growth Create supportive atmosphere Class atmosphere – set the right tone on the first day
Leading peers How do we support and make this successful? Hearing feedback Prepare for and help receive +/- feedback Giving feedback Design opportunities for constructive feedback Students relying on each other Demonstrate idea of reciprocity
Practice as leaders Real experience Practice as participants Recognize importance of active and engaged followership Ownership of learning outcomes Hearing and adjusting to honest feedback Giving honest feedback
It sticks!
Questions? Concerns? Are you ready to try this approach with one of your classes?