Role of teacher in promotion of student leadership: a qualitative study in government primary schools

Abstract

The issue in this study is addressed- Student Leadership in Government Primary School. Regarding the issue, a qualitative study conducted to know the role of teacher in promotion of student leadership inside of classroom in government primary schools. For that, in-depth interview, key informant interview and focus group discussion were conducted among ATEO, head teacher, assistant teacher and student leader. The key informant interviews, in-depth interviews and FGD were recorded, transcribed and analyzed except for some exceptions. In this study, five themes were identified- views and understanding of teacher about student leadership, available practices of student leadership inside of the classrooms, roles of the teachers in facilitation of student leadership, challenges faced by teachers and way out to make the practice of student leadership sustainable. The findings of the study refer that teacher have a lack of comprehensive understanding of student leadership. They do not get formal training on student leadership too. The systematic practice of student leadership is absent while outside of classroom practices get more priority than inside of classroom practices. It was acknowledged that the role of a teacher is most influential factor in promotion of student leadership. However, there is a lack of awareness, consistency, framework and policy to make student leadership practice sustainable in the government primary schools.