Viviane Robinson, a Distinguished Professor at the University of Auckland, shares her expertise in student-centered leadership and educational policy. She emphasizes the critical role of intentional leadership and the need to prioritize student outcomes over adult expectations. Robinson discusses the challenges of balancing new initiatives with old practices, advocating for strategic change to enhance learning. Her insights on global educational impact and the necessity of collaboration among educators provide a roadmap for effective leadership in schools.
Educational leaders must prioritize student welfare over adult satisfaction, ensuring their decisions consistently reflect a student-centered approach.
Effective leadership requires de-implementation of low-value practices to streamline efforts and enhance focus on impactful teaching techniques.
Deep dives
Leading with Intention
Leaders in education must prioritize the distinct purpose of institutions, which is to serve students. This involves understanding and balancing the complex demands of adult needs while ensuring that student welfare and achievement remain the primary focus. For example, leaders should actively resist the temptation to prioritize adult satisfaction over instructional leadership, as they may find themselves caught up in personal relationships or compliance activities that distract from their moral purpose. By consistently asking who they serve in various discussions and decisions, leaders can solidify their commitment to student-centered practices and maintain intentionality in their leadership roles.
De-Implementation for Effective Leadership
Effective leaders recognize the necessity of de-implementation, which involves identifying and removing low-value practices to enhance educational outcomes. Studies demonstrate that many teachers inadvertently contribute to their own workload by failing to abandon ineffective initiatives, thereby diluting their focus on impactful teaching techniques. For instance, a principal might be unaware of the numerous unfocused programs being implemented due to the well-meaning requests of teachers, which can lead to confusion and lack of effectiveness in addressing student needs. Leaders need to actively prune initiatives and make transparent decisions about what to discontinue, allowing for a more strategic approach to professional learning that directly supports student learning.
Empowering Collective Leadership
Collective leadership efficacy hinges on fostering a shared understanding and facilitating collaboration among leaders and educators. This requires creating a clear and purposeful shared task that promotes involvement and engagement from everyone within the team. Discussions need to transcend abstract concepts to focus on specific, actionable strategies that can be collectively pursued to improve student outcomes. Leaders must also lower power differentials by encouraging open dialogue and ensuring all voices, regardless of status, contribute to the improvement efforts, which can lead to a more collaborative and empowering school environment.
In this episode of the Leaders Coaching Leaders Podcast, Viviane Robinson delves into the theme of Leading with Intention to discuss the core purposes of educational institutions, emphasizing the importance of serving students and the student-centered impact of strong instructional leadership. Robinson–a researcher who has studied educational leadership for years and shaped ed policy around the world–highlights the challenges leaders face in balancing their roles. Her insights on leading strategically for testable results and clear measures on impact provide valuable, real-world guidance for education leaders worldwide.