'n Model vir die opleiding van leerlingleiers in sekondêre skole
Abstract
This study is based upon the Christian practice of science, which
implies, among other things, the usage of the transcendental empirical
method of research. This means that the empirical data have
been viewed and evaluated according to transcendental perspectives
(Scripture perspectives).
Leadership plays an important role in society - generally as well
more particularly in the school as a social phenomenon. Pupil
leadership is essential for the direction of the school on a specific
course. The researcher's problem lies in the absence of a
model according to which pupil leaders may be trained towards the
successful fulfilment of their task as leaders.
The objective of this research is therefore to create a model according
to which pupil leaders may be trained adequately for their
task as leaders in the Transvaal secondary schools.
To ascertain what has already been undertaken on the study of
leadership, and more particularly pupil leadership, a study of
literature was undertaken. A number of training programmes were
studied to ascertain what has already been accomplished in practice,
regarding the training of youthful leaders.
This was followed by empirical research: by means of a questionnaire
concerning the position of pupil leadership at secondary schools the
practice was examined. This questionnaire was completed by teachers
as well as pupil leaders, the objective being the inclusion of the
views of both teacher and pupil.
The training model consists of the following components:
* The Christian-National philosophy of life is the foundation for
the training model.
* The training objectives must be stated explicitly, as this will
determine the learning content.
* The right learning opportunities must be created for the pupil leaders so that the learning content may be unlocked.
* The training programme must be evaluated so as to ascertain
whether the objectives have been realised or not.
* When the pupil leader has completed s course in pupil leadership
according to the training model, he should possess the
characteristics required for the successful fulfilment of his
task.
A number of important findings came to the fore:
* The Bible supplies the Christian pupil leader with definite
guidelines. The pupil leader must believe in God implicitly
as this will influence his relationships regarding his followers as well as the goals set to them by the group.
* The study of leadership theories and leadership styles indicates
that the pupil leader must be aware of this, so as to
lead his fellow-pupils towards goal attainment.
* Pupil leadership is a distinctive leadership, as the pupil
leader is a non-adult.
* The pupil leader is part of a peer group whose values and
norms must be respected. Nevertheless he must be able to
make a definite stand, although this may get him into disfavour
with his friends.
* The guardian teacher must support the pupil leader and lead
him towards the successful fulfilment of his task.
It appeared from the study of training programmes that the
pupil leader must have knowledge of the application of administrative
duties.
* One of the most important findings of the empirical research
was that all respondents feel that there is room for improvement in the training of pupil leaders in the Transvaal secondary schools. Teachers are seen as the most suitable trainers
of pupil leaders. In the training programme knowledge of the
theory and practice of leadership is seen as the foundation
for the training of pupil leaders.
To conclude it may be stated that pupil leaders in the Transvaal
secondary schools may be trained by means of a preconceived leadership
programme.
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