teaching. Often incoming students have only experienced teachers lecturing in front of
the class. In conducting a discussion format, I expect we will need to establish ground
rules to keep the class on track and moving forward in critical thinking; therefore, I have
included the establishment of these guidelines as a class activity (Brookfield, 2006). In
working with a group of like-minded students with natural leadership traits, I believe I
can expect some challenges in similar personalities sharing one space.
The students I expect will enroll in the course will be Generation Ys, most of which
are transitioning from adolescence to young adulthood. They are in midst of establishing
their identity or what some college students call finding myself. Erikson describes this
development stage as one focused on self-image and concerned about direction and
vocation (Misawa, 2013a). During this transition from adolescent to young adult, students
can also experience cultural suicide as they may be reaching new understanding and
reevaluating their beliefs and practices that could potentially disrupt prior relationships
and roles in society (Brookfield, 2006). Some of these students are already in young
adulthood or moving toward relational motivators (Misawa, 2013a). According to
Erikson, this stage brings about an inner battle between the need for intimacy and
exclusion (Misawa, 2013a). It is important for me as an educator to recognize these
stages and be a source of challenge and support.
The objectives for this course are developing leadership within self, group,
community, and society. Through self-reflective practices, like journaling and personality
assessment test and exercises, students will be able to identify personal attributes and
leadership styles. Students will gain an understanding and respect for basic leadership
theories, models, and techniques in which they can apply in their leadership positions on
campus. Upon education of current trends and issues on campus, in the community, and
society as a whole, the course intends to engage students in service learning and
development of civility and citizenship. Student leaders will also be given practical skills
for managing people, budgets, and conflict resolution. Students will be affirmed in their
importance and value on the campus and to the developing institutional culture. Students
will be able to demonstrate their achievement in learning through blog reflections,
discussion participation, class presentations, written assignments, and a portfolio to
connect their learning to the course competencies.
My hope is that students will achieve learning outcomes and objectives in order to
apply them directly to meet their objectives within their organizations and in their
leadership positions. This is the reason for the required involvement in a campus group.
In participating in an organization or holding a leadership position, they will have an
opportunity to learn the objectives and put them into practice in real life situations.
I have selected current reading material that provides support for the experiential and
relational theories as well as a selection that challenges leaders to create social change. In
addition to Komives and Loebs readings, I have chosen to utilize several original selfreflective worksheets for evaluating personal values, characteristics, missions, and styles.
I will purchase individual DiSC assessments sheets for students to thoroughly assess
personality traits and leadership styles. For theory education, I plan to present lecture
style while incorporating PowerPoint technology for visual aid. Students will also have
an opportunity to incorporate technology into the course with the development of their
individual blog pages as well as creative group presentations.
I believe the course utilizes a variety of teaching materials and resources that will
meet the needs of a diverse group of students, varying in gender, race, and learning
styles. (source about varying teaching techniques). I will facilitate the class in a large
classroom with the option of moving desks around to create space for interactive
activities, like role-playing, as well as circling the desks for round table discussion time at
the end of each class meeting. The classroom is also equipped with technology for
students and guest speakers to enhance presentations with audio and visual aid on a large
projector at the front of the room.
In anticipation of teaching majority millennials who may be transitioning from
adolescent to young adulthood (Misawa, 2013a), I understand the need to be
understanding of their past yet challenge to think beyond what they know, present
different views and options, and give them the freedom to decide how they chose to use it
in their lives. Students will receive a sense of achievement through reactions and
comments on their blogs from both instructor and classmates. Students will also receive
prompt feedback on presentations and assignments, so they are able to gage their
achievement and where they may need to improve. I hope student receive a sense of
achievement in their relationships with each other, especially in their small groups of
support.
In these small groups, students will have an opportunity to reflect on lecture, guest
speakers, or class exercises as the group leader probes thoughtful questions. The first
assignment is to prepare a cover letter to encourage students to reflect on and put into
written words a description of who they are. In addition to the in-class reflection
exercises in the first weeks of class, students will participate in weekly thinking and
observation through their online blog postings. Lastly, students will demonstrate an
overall reflection of the course when they create and present portfolios to connect their
specific learning experiences to the course objectives.
Students will experience choice in the course when they select the leader they
interview, the service learning activity, and organizational meeting or program they
observe for the group project. Although the assignment has guidelines, they have the
freedom to choose the specifics and be creative in their demonstration of their new
knowledge.
Although the course requires preparation before class, a large portion of it is
participation in activities and with each other. However, if students are experiencing
anxieties or difficulties, they are encouraged to make me aware in order to address it. I
believe I will naturally create a sense of openness within my classroom as I strive to be
authentic in my teaching (Brookfield, 2006). I hope the students get a sense of who I am
and my compassion for their success and learning in my course as well as in their
involvement elsewhere on campus. While creating an open, inviting space, I also
understand a need to set boundaries due to the group of similar students and leadership
personalities (Palmer, 2007). I acknowledge the need to set ground rules for discussion
and intend to have the students work together in creating these on the first day of class.
I believe in my course design, I allow an opportunity for students to play different
roles within the class. Students can simply participate in some activities, but will also
have to lead their peers in discussion, present to the class individually and as a team as
well as step into the role of characters in scenarios and case studies to analyze and
problem solve.
Due to the course subject, Kolbs experiential learning cycle is the first theory taught
in helping develop leadership skills (Misawa, 2013b). Students engage in this learning
process when they are asked to blog about a past leadership experiences utilizing Kolbs
cycle (Misawa, 2013b). Students are also encouraged to put these practices into play in
making decisions or planning programs for their campus organizations. Students are
asked to share how they are implementing this theory in their leadership position or
involvement.
Leadership is an action; therefore, teaching leadership involves active learning. I do
not believe an instructor could effectively teach leadership without creating opportunities
for relationships and interaction with others. My class session typically involves a short
lecture on theory or practice from an instructor or expert in the field, followed by
interactive exercises (i.e. Diad & Triad, role-playing, case studies, ice breakers), and
ending with round table discussion (Apps, 1991). I think the instructional methods I am
implementing in my course are varied. They not only meet the needs of a diverse learning
styles, but I believe these methods also match the needs characteristic of leaders and
traditional age students (Brookfield, 2006).
I think the learning activities force students to reflect on their current practices as
leaders as well as develop new skills in which they can incorporate into their current
leadership positions. I believe the issues addressed in the course bring awareness to the
need for good leaders not only for the development of the campus but also for the
community as a whole. I hope the course activities provides training and tools that result
in confidence and credentials for these students leaders to be effective and respected by
their peers.
Those students needing a greater sense of self awareness and leadership development
will need to take advantage of learning from their peers in group exercises and sharing
their experiences in order to make improvements. As the instructor, I scheduled time in
the course to meet with each student individually to serve as a mentor or coach to listen
to where they are and where they would like to be in hopes of guiding them on how to
best utilize the course for their specific needs and specific organizations. In follow up to
the one-on-one sessions, I intend to assess their portfolios and blog journals, in addition
to their collective work and participation, to determine if a connection was made to the
purpose and objectives of the course. I intend to meet with each student at the conclusion
of the course to help make concrete connections between what they learned and devise a
plan of action of how to implement their skills and practices into their position within the
organization. As Coordinator of Student Services, I will be able to continue the
relationship and follow on their progress as I am the resource for student organization
development and leadership.
Apps, J. W. (1991). Mastering the teaching of adults (Original ed.). Malabar, Fla.:
Krieger Pub. Co..
Brookfield, S. (2006). The skillful teacher: on technique, trust, and responsiveness in the
classroom (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Misawa, M. (2013a). Recurring themes of adulthood-major motivators for learning and
development [PDF document]. Retrieved from
https://elearn.memphis.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=5121085
&tId=26844532
Misawa, M. (2013b). Experiential learning theory: David Kolbs learning circle
[PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from
https://elearn.memphis.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=5121085
&tId=26826655
Palmer, P. J. (2007). The courage to teach: exploring the inner landscape of a
teacher's life (10th anniversary ed.). San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass.
University
of
Memphis
EFFECTIVE
LEADERSHIP
ON
A
DEVELOPING
CAMPUS
Fall
2013
Syllabus
Instructor:
Beth
Ann
Simpson
Coordinator
of
Student
Services
University
of
Memphis,
Lambuth
Campus
731.425.1951
ecarkuff@memphis.edu
Purpose
of
the
Course:
As
a
newly
established
institution
lacking
a
well-rooted
campus
culture
in
regards
to
student
involvement
and
leadership,
there
is
a
need
to
train
and
equip
students
with
the
tools
to
be
successful
in
building
a
foundation
for
sustainable
organizations
and
programs.
In
response
to
this
need,
I
designed
this
course,
Effective
Leadership
on
a
Developing
Campus,
for
current
and
potential
student
leaders
in
campus
organizations.
The
students
involvement
in
a
registered
student
organization
is
essential
and
required
for
their
success
in
the
course.
Objectives
of
the
Course:
Through
self-reflection,
personality
assessment
exercises,
and
peer
discussion,
students
will
be
able
identify
personal
attributes
and
leadership
styles.
Students
will
gain
an
understanding
of
theories,
models,
techniques
in
which
they
can
apply
in
leadership
positions
in
campus
organizations.
Educated
on
the
value
of
leadership
in
campus
development
as
well
as
responsibility
in
their
local
community
and
for
the
greater
good
of
society.
Given
practical
skills
for
managing
people,
budgets,
conflict
and
bring
awareness
to
the
importance
of
leadership
and
organizational
culture.
Demonstrate
learning
through
development
of
a
portfolio,
connecting
learning
and
leadership
experience
to
course
competencies.
Class
Meeting
Times
and
Location:
Wednesdays,
5:30
8:30
pm
at
the
University
of
Memphis
Lambuth
Campus,
Varnell-Jones
Hall
Classroom
320
with
mobile
seating,
space
for
interactive
activities,
and
projector/screen
capabilities.
Conceptual
Framework:
We
intend
to
give
students
the
tools
and
resources
to
be
effective
leaders
on
campus,
in
the
workforce,
and
in
the
community.
Our
goal
is
to
build
future
leaders
that
exemplify
the
core
values
of
the
University
of
Memphis
Student
Affairs
Division.
Our
vision
is
to
help
students
understand
and
manage
self,
engage
others
in
a
diverse
world,
and
succeed
as
a
professional.
This
course
intends
to
emphasize
active
learning,
personal
reflection
and
growth,
regard
to
theory
and
research,
and
practical
application
of
leadership
skills
and
experiences.
Core
Values:
LEADERS
Learning:
Establishing
and
articulating
high
expectations
for
student
learning
Excellence:
Modeling
excellence
in
all
that
we
do
Assessment:
Making
decisions
on
the
basis
of
data.
Diversity:
Living
well
together
in
a
diverse
world
Ethical
Leadership:
Developing
leaders
who
demonstrate
responsibility
and
integrity
Relationships:
Building
connections
within
and
beyond
our
community
Spirit:
Promoting
enthusiasm,
passion
and
a
sense
of
belonging
that
inspires
Tiger
pride
Engaging
Others
in
a
Diverse
World
Develop
and
apply
knowledge
Establish
a
connection
to
the
of
self,
including
personality,
University
of
Memphis
values,
interests
and
aptitudes
Develop
integrity
and
make
ethical
decisions
Succeeding
as
a
Professional
Apply
academic
and
co-
curricular
content
to
real-
world
contexts
through
experiential
learning
Develop
an
inclusive
and
interactive
Identify,
develop
and
community
focusing
on
articulate
competencies
understanding
and
respect
of
necessary
to
succeed
in
ones
individual
and
group
differences
chosen
field
Become
engaged
citizens
locally
and
Understand
the
importance
of
globally
life-long
learning
Develop
effective
social
change
skills
Demonstrate
effective
leadership
skills
Demonstrate
civility
Required
readings:
Komives,
S.
Lucas,
N.
&
McMahon,
T.
(2007).
Exploring
leadership:
For
college
students
who
want
to
make
a
difference.
2nd
Edition.
San
Francisco:
Jossey-Bass.
Loeb,
P.
R.
(2010).
Soul
of
a
citizen:
living
with
conviction
in
challenging
times(2nd
ed.,
rev.
and
updated
ed.).
New
York:
St.
Martin's
Griffin.
Course
assignments:
Weekly
Blog
Journal
-
Each
student
is
required
to
create
a
blog
or
website
in
which
you
will
post
weekly
reflections
about
the
coursework
and
personal
experiences.
Classmates
and
instructor
should
be
able
to
view
and
comment
on
the
postings.
You
will
be
graded
on
participation,
not
content.
Round
Table
Discussion
Leaders:
Each
student
will
be
assigned
a
group
(2-4)Divide
to
lead
the
round
table
discussion
for
one
class
session.
The
leaders
will
come
to
class
prepared
to
lead
discussion
with
questions
to
bring
about
deeper
understanding
of
the
readings,
speaker,
lecture,
and
group
exercises.
Small
Group
Semester
Project
-
Student
will
be
assigned
to
a
small
group
in
which
they
will
meet
with
several
times
throughout
the
semester.
In
addition
to
meeting
as
a
support
group,
you
will
be
assigned
to
observe
an
organizational
meeting
or
program
to
assess
for
leadership
styles,
tactics,
and
implemented
theories.
The
group
will
work
together
to
develop
a
presentation
to
summarize
the
findings
and
present
to
the
class.
Each
student
will
submit
a
summary
of
his
or
her
individual
participation
and
learning
experience
as
a
result
of
the
project.
Portfolio
Defense:
Create
a
portfolio
that
demonstrates
a
connection
between
the
learning
assignments
and
leadership
experiences
to
course
objectives
and
student
affairs
division
goals.
You
must
submit
(5)
artifacts
each
matching
a
different
competency
(5).
You
must
attach
a
narrative
describing
each
artifact
and
explaining
how
it
represents
the
learning
competency.
Be
creative
in
your
portfolio
delivery,
and
be
prepared
to
answer
questions
from
the
panel
regarding
details
of
assignments,
experiences,
and
learning
outcomes.
Evaluation
of
learning:
Participation
20%
Classroom
involvement
Blog
Journal
Presentations
30%
Discussion
leader
Individual
class
presentations
Group
presentations
Papers
30%
Cover
letter
Leadership
Interview
Service
Learning
Assessment
Group
Semester
Project
Summary
Portfolio
(Final)
20%
Grading
Scale:
A
90
100
B
80
89
C
70
79
D
60
69
F
0
59
Student
Responsibilities:
By
enrolling
in
this
course,
it
is
understood
that
you,
the
student,
agree
to
read,
understand,
and
abide
by
the
policies,
rules,
and
regulations
within
the
U
of
Ms
Code
of
Student
Rights
and
Responsibilities.
Please
review
the
copy
here
http://www.memphis.edu/studentconduct/pdfs/csrr.pdf
As
stated
in
the
Code
of
Rights
and
Responsibilities,
Academic
Integrity
(1) Plagiarism,
cheating,
and
other
forms
of
academic
dishonesty
are
prohibited.
Students
guilty
of
academic
misconduct,
either
directly
or
indirectly,
through
participation
or
assistance,
are
immediately
responsible
to
the
instructor
of
the
class
in
addition
to
other
possible
disciplinary
sanctions
which
may
be
imposed
through
the
regular
institutional
disciplinary
procedures.
Attendance/Participation:
Students
are
expected
to
attend
each
class
and
fully
participate
in
all
course
assignments,
activities,
and
discussions.
If
you
have
more
than
1
unexcused
absence,
you
will
receive
a
failing
grade.
Technology:
Students
are
expected
to
have
access
to
internet,
specially
equipped
to
manage
an
online
blog.
You
should
also
check
university
email
as
it
is
the
official
means
of
communication.
Students
are
expected
to
type
all
assignments
in
word
processer,
Times
New
Roman
font
size
12,
double-spaced,
APA
style.
You
are
expected
to
proofread
your
assignments
for
grammatical
errors
before
submitting.
Late
assignments:
I
will
not
accept
late
assignments
unless
specifically
arranged
with
notice.
As
leaders
you
need
to
demonstrate
your
ability
to
follow
instructions
and
meet
deadlines.
If
you
are
having
trouble
or
have
questions
regarding
an
assignment,
please
schedule
time
to
meet
with
me
as
I
am
happy
to
help.
Accommodations
for
Disabilities:
Students
with
disabilities
are
encouraged
to
meet
with
the
instructor
to
identify
needs
and
special
accommodations.
Students
are
asked
to
register
with
the
Office
of
Disabilities
Services
to
ensure
proper
services
are
rendered
and
documented.
Commitment
to
Diversity:
The
University
of
Memphis
is
committed
to
equal
access
and
diversity
as
instructors
and
students
are
encouraged
to
promote
and
sustain
a
vibrant
community
that
values
diversity.
All
those
participating
in
this
course
are
asked
to
respect
the
perspectives
and
comments
of
each
individual
regardless
of
race,
religion,
ethnicity,
sexual
orientation,
or
disability.
This
class
is
to
be
an
open,
safe,
cultural-sensitive
learning
space
in
which
there
is
fair
representation
of
all
individuals.
Course Outline:
Complete
assigned
readings
in
Komives
Weekly
Blog
Post
(Describe
a
learning
September 25
October 2
October 9
October
16
October
23
Relational
Leadership
Theory
Diversity
Community
building
exercise
Create
organizational
and
campus-wide
goals
Round
table
discussion
(student
lead)
October 30
November 6
November 13
November 20
projects
Round
table
discussion
(instructor
lead)
November
27
December
4
Thanksgiving
Break
Last
Day
of
Class
Finalize
portfolios
Class
Evaluations
December 10-13