School leaders are lifelong learners

One of the most challenging part of becoming a teacher is learning how to motivate our students. It is also one of the most important. Students who are not motivated will not learn effectively. They will not retain information, they will not participate, and some of them may even become disruptive.

A student may be unmotivated for a variety of reasons: They may feel that they have no interest in the subject, find the teacher’s methods unengaging, or be distracted by external forces, especially now that they are at home, learning remotely.

While motivating students can be a difficult task, the rewards are more than worth it. Motivated students are more excited to learn and participate. Simply put, teaching a class full of motivated students is enjoyable for teachers and students alike. Some students are self-motivated, with a natural love of learning. But even with the students who do not have this natural drive, a great teacher can make learning fun and inspire them to reach their full pot ent i al .

In my experience as a teacher, I can say that one of the best ways to help students stay interested in learning is by giving them the encouragement they need. Students look to teachers for approval and they are more likely to be enthusiastic about learning if they feel their work is recognized and valued. As their second parent, we should foster open communication and appreciation to make our young learners feel important. Be enthusiastic. Praise your students often. Recognize them for their contributions. Let us make our class a place where they are heard and respected. By having this environment, they will be more eager to learn. Saying “good job” or “nice work” can go a long way.

Furthermore, one way to encourage students and teach them responsibility is to get them involved. Make participating fun by giving each student a job to do. With the current learning setting, we can be creative. Make students work in groups and assign each a task or role. Giving students a sense of ownership allows them to feel accomplished and encourages active participation.

Lastly, I believe that the best way to help students keen on learning is becoming an inspirational teacher. Most adults can recall a specific teacher from their childhood who had a lasting impact. These are the teachers that have inspired, challenged, and motivated students enough to be memorable years later.

What makes these teachers inspirational? They represent success to their students. We each have successes to share. Through our triumphs, students can learn what success looks like and go after it. Once our students decide that they want success, they are more motivated and now pay close attention to the behaviors and choices they make.

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other” — John F. Kennedy

That quote from a former president of the United States is truly indisputable, especially when applied to leadership education, particularly principals and others at the helm of an organization, big or small.

Indeed, school leaders are lifelong learners. Joseph Lathan, PhD, in an article, noted that perhaps, the most important of all qualities that a school leader can possess is the unquenchable thirst for knowledge. The best leaders, no matter what industry they work in, know they will never know it all. They are humble in their knowledge yet confident in their abilities. They’re endlessly curious individuals who never stop questioning, and learning.

The Harvard Business Review put it perfectly when they said: “It takes a real sense of personal commitment, especially after you’ve arrived at a position of power and responsibility, to push yourself to grow and challenge conventional wisdom. Which is why two of the most important questions leaders face are as simple as they are profound: Are you learning, as an organization and as an individual, as fast as the world is changing? Are you as determined to stay interested as to be interesting? Remember, it’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”

The Harvard report also quotes the noted writer and professor John Gardner, who observed, “The best leaders I’ve gotten to know aren’t just the boldest thinkers; they are the most insatiable learners.”

It is hard to think of an industry where constant learning is more applicable than education.

To be a successful and effective leader is no easy feat. Yet, effective school leaders are desperately needed in thousands of schools and educational institutions across around the world.

As noted educational leadership expert Professor Kenneth Leithwood stated in a Hechinger Report article, “Indeed, there are virtually no documented instances of troubled schools being turned around without intervention by a powerful leader.”

--oOo— The author is Principal I (Senior High School) within Sapang Biabas Resettlement Elementary School