Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Education (MEd)
First Advisor
Dr Riaz Hussain
Department
Institute for Educational Development, Karachi
Abstract
In today's rapidly changing world, success is no longer defined solely by traditional academic achievement. In this context along with academic skills individuals need certain non-academic skills to become responsible citizens capable of contributing to society. Life skills education has emerged as a vital component of holistic learning, equipping individuals with the practical tools needed to navigate everyday challenges. Integrating life skills into existing education systems sparks important conversations about promoting leadership and responsibility skills. Schools being mandated to prepare learners for life, not only need to focus on academic achievement but also on the life skills that are considered important. One of the skills categories that comes under life skills is the “leadership and responsibility” skills which are fundamental to the aims of education.
This qualitative case study explored the experiences of the school principal and teachers in integrating leadership and responsibility, into classroom and school practices for secondary-grade students in a not-for-profit private school in Gilgit Baltistan. Four themes, the curriculum, instructions, learning environment, and professional development emerged in which the school integrates these skills. The study also focused on the challenges faced and the way these challenges are overcome. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, document reviews, and classroom observations.
It was found that curricular and cocurricular programs and student-centred strategies not only develop academic competencies but are also important for developing a sense of responsibility and leadership among students. The findings depict that the school principal and teachers understand leadership and responsibility skills as the aims of education. They consider these skills important to live and contribute to the rapidly changing pluralistic world. The principal engages the school community in planning curricular and co-curricular programs that support the inculcation of leadership qualities and responsibility skills among students. Under the guidance of the principal, the teachers implement student-centred teaching methods and co-curricular initiatives to foster leadership attributes and responsibility skills.
Challenges that affect the integration of leadership and responsibility skills include the academic curriculum and academic focus, and lack of skills to leadership and responsibility skills. However, some of these challenges are addressed through in-house training, collaboration, and parent engagement. For more deliberate programs the principal and teachers suggest structured practice, robust professional development, and substantive spaces for skills in policies and practices.
First Page
1
Last Page
99
Recommended Citation
Jabbar, A.
(2024). Exploring principal's and teachers' experiences of integrating leadership and responsibility skills into school practices for the secondary grade students in a non-for-profit private school in Gilgit Baltistan. , 1-99.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/etd_pk_ied_med/716