What it means for me a “Pedagogical Leadership”

 

Author: Shagufta Shazadi

After getting insights from a couple of sessions during the course at IED, I have come to believe that pedagogical leadership is beyond teaching and more essentially it discusses the complex relationship between teaching and learning processes and cultivates the holistic development of the learner. In order to strengthen this relationship between teaching and learning a pedagogical leader does not only ensure what is taught in the class rather he/she contemplates students’ critical reflections and their feedback which informs him/her in modifying the lesson.

 A teacher is also a learner; hence, pedagogical leadership is a lifelong process of acquiring new information, modifying and reinforcing existing knowledge through maintaining an intellectual relationship with the members of the educational setting. However, students’ understanding in the classroom and their needs are also essential to bring in knowledge of the teacher to enhance their learning. In order to bring theories into Praxis, a pedagogical leader shall observe rather looking at the happenings of the event around him/her. So that pedagogical leader would be able to identify need improving areas of learners, reaching to their grass root level of understanding and then taking responsibility to scaffold in building capacities.

Pedagogical leadership does not encourage the transmission of knowledge considering learner as an empty vessel and someone who requires diagnosis and treatment from an expert or just a linear method of transaction where individuals can be seen as capable of solving problems. However, this change the process makes sure holistic development considering each learner as a unique combination of complex and exceptionally differentiated qualities. In pedagogical leadership learners’ responses are considered primarily to underpinning learning processes among student, teachers, teacher educators, curriculum and community.  

Pedagogical leadership pays its well in polishing learners’ reflective skills and critical thinking to enable them to construct their own knowledge. Furthermore, leadership is a ‘win-win’ approach where each member of the group or community learns from each other, each member is accountable in capacity building and every member has the responsibility to share their learning.  For instance, a bridge made of different sized wooden blocks, in which each block contributes to holding the bridge firmly. The bridge will weaken or not work if any of the blocks get damaged. Likewise, learning is not a linear process. Each member of the school community has his/her own contribution to empower their peers and sustain the culture of knowing their own ideas and exploring their peer thoughts through interacting, challenging and critiquing the ideas shared. Pedagogical leadership creates a conducive environment where those who are more knowledgeable and have a better understanding of help’s those who need to strengthen their learning.

The learning process is challenging and a time-consuming journey towards change and pedagogical leadership anticipate educators to reflect on their own lessons to improve its efficacy and usefulness. Furthermore, it brings a sense of self-accountability inputting their efforts to make educational setting a learning community. Pedagogical leadership does not concern and favour spoon-feeding. In fact, it induces learners to be curious and to get engaged in learning in their surroundings. It helps them learn from their own experiences as well as from purposeful dialogues with other stakeholders in the learning community. The values and self-esteem of learners are also considered as an essential part of the learning community to motivate them towards learning. Pedagogical leadership ensures the quality of learning with day to day requirements in order to expand, support and improve learning processes. Moreover, Pedagogical leadership addresses everyday challenges and issues in learning and disseminates this information to other stakeholders. 

The pedagogical leader makes it essential to consider and reflect on the ways in which learners perform best and ascertain the philosophy and strategies a pedagogical work towards that end. It explores ways to nurture and empower learners and inspires them to struggle for quality. Pedagogical leadership makes lifelong learners and builds their confidence.

In conclusion, it is necessary to focus on pedagogical leadership in the educational communities. This would focus on the interaction among the community to discuss the problems to find possible solutions to them. A school is a fundamental place for a child’s holistic development. It is not a job of a single pedagogical leader, but it requires each stakeholder of the school community to play their role to accelerate learning processes among the community members.