Introduction
The video Our Failing Schools, Enough Is Enough! addresses the issue in the educational sphere by claiming that the leadership styles and teaching approaches are not effective (TED Talks, 2013). Apart from high failing rates, this scheme is continued to be used while constantly avoiding technological improvement and innovation of this segment (TED Talks, 2013). Another matter is the fact that educators have to rely on the concepts of science and use up-to-date information to develop innovative and effective techniques. In the context of the paper, the matters discussed in the video will be analyzed by referring to two articles addressing different approaches to enhance understanding of applying diverse leadership styles in the educational sphere.
Analysis of the Articles
Compare and contrast the articles
The video claims that taking advantage of technology and conducting regular assessments are the main aspects that can decrease failure rates in schools (TED Talks, 2013). A plethora of studies were conducted in the past, and they identified different leadership models that might include participative, moral, contingency, transformational, autocratic, and instructional ones (Heaven & Bourne, 2016; McCleskey, 2014; Nyamboga et al., 2014). Nonetheless, two frameworks discussed in the video about traditional and contemporary (transformational) leadership models. For example, the article by Adeyemi and Bolarinwa (2013) examined a correlation between academic performance and different leadership styles such as democratic, autocratic, and laissez-fair ones by highlighting that autocratic had to be used to reach academic excellence. The study was conducted in Nigeria by relying on quantitative methods. On the contrary, the publication by Quin, Deris, Bischoff, and Johnson (2015) also relied on quantitative tools such as regression analysis but unveiled that transformational style was the most effective instrument for enhancement of academic performance. The study was organized in the United States of America.
Building an understanding of leadership styles
With the help of readings, the autocratic leadership style is believed to have a well-established structure while the publication implies in the literature review section that any types of leadership are important and may be effective. When comparing to other styles, it is revealed that this leadership approach can be characterized by having high power distance and giving precise orders (Adeyemi & Bolarinwa, 2013). Along with this section to the problem statement, the authors indicate a connection between academic performance and leadership and suggest that this method will be the most appropriate in Nigerian schools. Consequently, applying this leadership model in the educational sphere can help make the curriculum more effective while maintaining order at school. As for transformational leadership, by relying on the concept No Child Left Behind and definition of elements of school cultural environment, it is possible to state that this leadership model is associated with encouragement, motivation, commitment, change, inspiration, and guidance (Quin et al., 2015).
Comparison and examples
Based on the findings, similarities between autocratic and transformational leadership are defining a certain organizational framework, aiming at achieving common goals such as academic excellence, and defining the roles of each group member. Nonetheless, the transformational model focuses on taking advantage of innovation and change management while using participative methods to interact with students. Nonetheless, it is not always effective. For example, it will be effective in countries with low power distance and high levels of democracy such as the United States of America. In this context, teachers can have conversations with students and inspire them to aim at academic excellence with the help of technology and support. Nevertheless, this method will not be sufficient in countries with high power distance such as Nigeria since the democratic approach will not be recognized. In this instance, it will be relevant to use a well-developed grading system and establish strict behavioral norms.
References
Adeyemi, T., & Bolarinwa, R. (2013). Principals’ leadership styles and student academic performance in secondary schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 2(1), 187-198.
Heaven, G., & Bourne, P. (2016). Instructional leadership and its effects on students’ academic performance. Review of Public Administration & Management, 4(1), 197.
McCleskey, J. (2014). Situational, transformational, and transactional leadership and leadership development. Journal of Business Studies Quarterly, 5(4), 117-130.
Nyamboga, T., Gwiyo, J., Njuguna, F., Waweru, S., Nyamweya, B., & Gongera, G. (2014). A critical review of leadership styles on the performance of public secondary schools in national examinations in Tana River County, Kenya. Journal of Education and Practice, 5(22), 197-220.
Quin, J., Deris, A., Bischoff, G., & Johnson, J. (2015). The correlation between leadership, culture, and student achievement. The Online Journal of New Horizons in Education, 5(2), 55-62.
TED Talks. (2013). Our failing schools, enough is enough! [Video file]. Web.