The need for time and space for leadership development in learning and teaching

Holmes, Hannah-Louise (2023) The need for time and space for leadership development in learning and teaching. In: Narratives of academics’ personal journeys in contested spaces: leadership identity in learning and teaching in higher education. Bloomsbury Publishing, London. ISBN 9781350196971 (ebook); 9781350196964 (ebook); 9781350196957 (hardback)

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Abstract

As an academic and senior leader in higher education (HE) , I am driven to achieve inclusivity in the student and staff experience. My approach to teaching and learning aligns with the theory of social interaction as put forward by Lev Vygotsky (1962) . My interpretation of this theory is that a teacher should collaborate with his or her students in order to help facilitate meaningful construction in students. In academia, I observe a close correlation between the teaching strategy of lecturers and the style they adopt in leadership. I find that the leadership style I have is a mirror of the approaches which have been successful in supporting students. Both seek to bring out the best in individuals and empower them to achieve goals; in the case of students both personal and academic, and in the academic team both personal and collective goals.