Abstract:

Effective leadership in education is crucial for promoting positive student outcomes, improving teacher engagement and retention, creating a supportive and inclusive school culture, and ultimately contributing to the success of students and the wider community. This paper aims to explore the practical application and importance of leadership in education through a case study based on team learning and leadership activities. The paper describes a three-stage methodology focused on promoting the concept of leadership in education. The first stage involves studying leadership concepts and methods used to promote them in the educational system. In the second stage, the authors discuss observations about students' behavior and experiences at their courses and seminars but also at other universities, highlighting the importance of teamwork and leadership skills. In the third stage, the authors propose and apply leadership activities to enhance theoretical knowledge, conducting a case study at a technical faculty from Bucharest, Romania. The participants from this case study were first-year students, being analyzed the results obtained by four groups of students at a quiz seminar on the Fundamentals of Management, in comparison with the results obtained in a course quiz, to verify knowledge and attention given in the introductory course of this study subject. For the seminar activity, the authors proposed 2 leadership activities: The Leadership Pizza, and The Marshmallow Challenge, which were followed by discussions and conclusions. In the end, the authors analyzed the results obtained from the course and seminar quizzes. The results of this case study showed that team learning and leadership activities were effective in improving student performance. The students' test scores at the end of the seminars showed a significant increase in comparison to their scores from the course. Student engagement and motivation also increased. The leadership activities provided an opportunity for different members to assume leadership roles and reflect on how to apply the techniques and abilities to real-life situations. Additionally, the professors reported feeling more involved and engaged in their work. The study provides valuable insights into the benefits of team learning and leadership activities and offers guidance for teachers and school leaders seeking to implement similar initiatives in their institutions. The authors highlight the value of developing personal leadership abilities and demonstrate how effective leadership can influence teaching and learning outcomes. By presenting a case study that offers insights into how successful leaders inspire and motivate students, facilitate collaborative learning, and create a positive and supportive classroom environment, professors can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise when applying leadership skills in the classroom. The paper emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning and professional development in enhancing leadership skills and ultimately contributing to improved academic achievement and student success.

Keywords:

Leadership, education, leadership activities, team-based projects, collaborative learning, quiz.