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Mable Chan

Hong Kong Baptist University, China

 

Abstract

Understanding the impact of leadership dispositions on teacher and student engagement is crucial for enhancing leadership practices in education. This study investigates how leadership dispositions influence engagement levels among students and teachers, aiming to inform strategies that promote positive outcomes.

 

The research questions are: 1) Which leadership dispositions affect engagement levels of students and teachers in higher education?; and 2) How can leaders create an environment favourable for engagement?

 

10 teachers and 10 students participated. Data collection involved a questionnaire to assess engagement levels (Ghamoushi et al., 2022; Klassen et al., 2013; Maroco et al., 2016). Interview questions were adapted from the EDLDA tool (Wilson et al., 2020).

 

Findings reveal that students are less engaged than teachers. Participants acknowledged leadership's influence on morale, noting negative dispositions from leaders can have a profound effect. Beyond visionary and communication skills, positivity was crucial for effective educational leaders who believe in resolving problems. In addition to maintaining a positive environment and attitude towards colleagues, flexibility in decision-making based on situational factors was also highlighted. Leaders need to recognize when certain attitudes may not be suitable for all circumstances.

 

Keywords

Student engagement, teacher engagement, leadership dispositions