You might be wondering how you determine how successful a teaching or training program is. There are many measurements you can use such as looking at learning outcomes, student engagement, behavioral change, and even efficiency of delivery.
An effective student leadership program can accomplish all of the above and much more. If you’re planning a training or leadership program, the following are some mistakes that to avoid ensuring that your school’s leadership program is a success. So, let’s look at some common mistakes that you must avoid if you’re looking for success.
Failure to Provide a Leadership Model for Reference
Many schools don’t offer a leadership model that leaders can refer to. It’s important to present a leadership model for staff and students to refer to. By so doing, it allows teachers to develop the program consistently instead of putting in place an ad hoc activity list. It offers help to analytical learners who adore a model to direct them and assists in ensuring the consistency of the program over many years.
Lack of Job Descriptions for various roles
One of the most common complaints that student leaders make is a lack of knowledge of what to do. That’s a common mistake that is detrimental to the success of a student leadership program. So, if you’re lacking a job description, it’s high time to get the description on paper. To ensure a simple guide, you can look for ideas on the internet.
The most common complaint that most student leaders make is that they lack any real leadership tasks to work on.
Failure to Form a Leadership Team
Another common mistake that many schools do and end up having an unsuccessful student leadership program is a failure to form a leadership team. Generally, it’s not easy being a student leader. Some students may feel isolated and some don’t take the opportunity to learn from their peers. Assist them to feel that they are supported and offer a process for group learning by coming up with a leadership team in its own right.
Lack of Consistent Support
Failure to provide consistent support is also a mistake that can cost you a great deal. Therefore, ensure you satisfy a regular basis throughout the year and discuss issues, organize events, and assist them to develop their roles.
Not Focusing on Developing Communication Skills
Lack to focus on enhancing communication skills is another great mistake. Leadership is generally a test of communication skills. The way students communicate with staff and students on a one-on-one basis and how they deliver messages to a group will influence their effectiveness. Focusing on proper personal and public communication requires being one of the essential things to consider in your student leadership program.
Not Developing a Code of Conduct for Student Leaders
There’s a particular code of conduct that’s expected from your student leaders. There’s a way a student should know if their behavior is out of course with the school’s expectations. Generally, schools have a Code of conduct that defines the general school behavior. However, it’s important to put a Code of Conduct in place for student leaders that reflect both acceptable school behavior and the values of the school. Student leaders are ambassadors for the values the school has set and focused to work with. You can find samples of the Code of Conduct online to guide you in case you need to make one.
No Leadership Diary/Journal
It’s also a mistake when some schools forget to begin a leadership diary or journal. To help with ongoing personal development, student leaders should start a diary or a journal that serves as a record of their activities and also offers a chance to reflect on their progress.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a student leadership program, there are many mistakes you might undeliberately commit to and impact the success of the program. To ensure that the program is successful, you must avoid the above mistakes.