Education Commons^™

Formation Of Pre-Service Teachers For Religious Education Through Experiential Learning: The Retreat Leaders Training Program, Chris Hackett, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

This article reports on the formation of pre-service teachers for religious education through an experiential learning program called the Retreat Leaders Training Program (RLTP). First, the article examines the need for formation for pre-service RE teachers, especially as the formation relates to the development of three forms of teacher knowledge: content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge and experiential content knowledge. Second, the article reviews the literature on the role of experiential learning in professional formation and the contribution live-in retreats may make in this formation. Third, the article presents the Retreat Leaders Training Program as an example of the formative influence …

The Catholic School Principal: A Transcendent Leader?, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

In the early 1990s Sergiovanni (1993) pointed out, with a touch of cynicism, that despite the multitude of leadership studies over many years “we still do not understand what distinguishes leaders from non leaders, e!ective leaders from ineffective leaders, and effective organisations from ineffective organisations” (p. 1). He argued that one of the reasons for this confusion was an overemphasis on what he called “bureaucratic, psychological and technical-rational authority” (p. 1), while neglecting professional and moral authority. As an antidote to this situation, Sergiovanni (1993) argued that the moral dimension of leadership must be moved “from the periphery to the …

Principals: Catalysts For Promoting Student Leadership, Shane D. Lavery, Gregory S C Hine

Shane D Lavery

The role of the principal is pivotal in the development of student leadership within schools. As well as assuming a heavy administrative workload and undertaking numerous complex and time-absorbing responsibilities, the principal plays a significant part in facilitating student leadership development initiatives—in essence, this person becomes the steward of student leadership. This stewardship most often takes one of two forms: through direct or indirect involvement. A principal advocating stewardship through direct involvement is personally engaged in leadership activities, and works closely with student leaders. By contrast, indirect involvement requires the principal to empower colleagues with the responsibility of personally engaging …

Service-Learning: A Valuable Component Of Pre-Service Teacher Education, Dianne J. Chambers, Shane Lavery

Shane D Lavery

There is recognition that involvement in service-learning can impact positively on the development of pre-service teachers professionally, culturally and academically (Billig & Freeman, 2010; Anderson, 1998). This article explores and describes the experiences of pre-service teachers in the School of Education at the University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) who are undertaking two service learning units as part of their teacher education. This research is based on qualitative data collected from pre-service teachers on completion of their service learning units. Initially, service-learning as a concept is explored with particular reference to four basic elements identified in the literature (Jacoby, 1996; …

Service-Learning – Preparing Students For Leadership, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

This paper explores ways in which participating in a service-learning program can enhance student leadership in secondary schools. The research is based on the perceptions of teachers who coordinate service-learning in eleven Catholic secondary schools in Western Australia. The paper initially examines literature on student leadership, servant leadership and service-learning. The research methodology is then summarized, in particular, the rationale for using Catholic schools, an indication of the range of schools involved, and an outline of the questionnaire. Teacher perceptions are considered, initially in the contexts of the Structure of Service-Learning and Rationale for Service-Learning. This is followed by teacher …

Transactional, Transformative And A Servant!, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

Does leadership theory help a school principal become a better principal? He or she needs to be head teacher, chief administrator, creator of the vision, promoter of the cause, public face of the organization, counselor of staff, listener to parents, role model for students, and conduit with system authorities. While most have the support of a leadership team, invariably the buck, in whatever forms it might take, stops with the principal. The role is challenging, often demanding, and invariably requires a fine balancing act between the myriad of responsibilities that go with the job. So, what form of leadership should …

Service-Learning: More Than Just Volunteering, Shane D. Lavery, John Richards

Shane D Lavery

In this article, the authors recommend a social capital building program that benefits schools, students and the community. There is a growing trend within Catholic and independent schools in Western Australia to actively involve secondary students in service-learning. This paper presents an overview of service-learning and, by doing so, indicates why such involvement by students holds benefits for all involved.

Student Ministry: Preparing Young People As Leaders For The 21st Century, Chris Hackett, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

Ministry with young people has never been more important. Ever-increasing local, national and global concerns demand that schools must do more than prepare young people as responsible citizens. They must prepare young people as emerging leaders with a civic conscience who proactively seek solutions to issues such as increased poverty, the plight of refugees, terrorism, climate change, and corporate greed. This article is about student ministry. Student ministry, as defined in this article, specifically aims to build leadership capacity in school students. In particular, the article attempts to highlight the distinctiveness of student ministry and those ways it promotes and …

Developing Student Leadership Through Service-Learning, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

Adolescents possess enormous potential as leaders. They have the capacity to become leaders in the workplace, in their families, in the community, and in government.

Increasingly, schools have taken on the important responsibility of the developing leadership in young people. Schools are, what van Linden and Fertman call, “hotbeds of leadership development” (1998, p. 224). For instance, Catholic schools have a commendable reputation for preparing, promoting, developing and nurturing elected student leaders. Fair and just elections, leadership camps, leadership reflection days, mixed school leadership programs, and leadership seminars, all form valid and valuable ways of preparing students for the challenges, …

Christian Service Learning In Catholic Schools, Shane D. Lavery, Chris Hackett

Shane D Lavery

This article sets out a rationale for implementing Christian service-learning in Catholic schools. The article initially explores Jesus' Gospel call to serve. A brief summary of Catholic social doctrine is then presented and the concept of service-learning is discussed. Four categories of community outreach by Catholic schools are outline, these being community service, Christian service, service-learning within a Christian context, and faith-focused Christian service-learning. Finally, various implications for promoting Christian service-learning in Catholic schools are considered in the light of the principles of charity and service as outlined in the encyclical letter Deus Caritas Est.

Aspire: Formation Of Pre-Service Teachers Through Leadership, Community Engagement And Retreat Training, Chris Hackett, Shane Lavery

Shane D Lavery

This article explores the experiences of pre-service teachers who are involved in a program promoting leadership, community engagement and retreat training. It initially presents a review of the literature on the significant links between teacher commitment and quality teaching. It then describes how four significant dispositions: care, leadership, service and reflective practice, are embedded in a program entitled ‘ASPIRE’ at The University of Notre Dame Australia. The program is designed to assist pre-service teachers in recognising and developing their sense of teaching vocation. An outline of the research methodology is provided. Specifically, the research is based on qualitative data derived …

Student Ministry: Youth ‘Step Up’ To Lead And Serve, Chris Hackett, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

This article is about student leadership and service in Catholic secondary schools. Initially the concept of leadership through service is explored with particular reference to the educational setting. The concept of “student ministry” is then considered in the light of this leadership and service. The article subsequently reports on an exploratory research study that focused on the experiences and reflections of principals and selected staff from three Catholic secondary schools involved in student ministry. Their experiences and reflections indicate that student ministry has the capacity to offer all students the chance to develop their leadership potential through acts of service, …

Promoting Our Interior Life As Teachers, Shane D. Lavery, Peter Hay

Shane D Lavery

You cannot give what you have not got. This being the case, developing the spirituality of teachers to make them more effective role models for their students is crucial. This article outlines the steps on Catholic Australian school took to address this issue. The school sought to promote the interior life of teachers in two stages - an afternoon staff conference, followed by a staff development day three weeks later.

Strategies For Hope And Sustainability, The Beginning Principal: Needs And Challenges, Debra Sayce, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

Since the 1990s, educational leaders in developed countries have experienced significant change across all educational systems. To date, this momentum for rapid change has continued unabated. Political pressures on schools continue to increase as short term governments expect improvements in educational outcomes in shortened periods of time. Public expectations of performance by schools are intensifying. School effectiveness dominates professional discourse. Learning technologies have expanded. Family contexts have changed and the nature of the educational workforce is dictated by society s economic and social situation. Catholic school principals, in addition to coping with such issues, are also regarded as leaders within …

Christian Service Learning – Does It Make A Difference?, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

This article explores ways in which involvement in a tertiary Christian service learning unit can affect participants. The research is based on the use (with permission) of qualitative data collected over a three-year period from second and fourth year Education students at The University of Notre Dame Australia. The paper initially explores literature on Christian service learning. An outline of the specific unit offered in the School of Education is then summarised along with the rationale underpinning the unit. Student reflections are then considered in the contexts of The Nature of Christian Service Learning, Social Awareness, and Transformation.

Religious Educators: Promoting Servant Leadership, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

The purpose of this article is twofold. First, it proposes that servant leadership is a suitable model of leadership for religious educators. Second, it suggests reasons why religious educators should exercise servant leadership.

The paper briefly considers the history of leadership development, per se. The concept of servant leadership is then explored with particular reference to four Gospel texts: Mk 10:42-45, Mt 23:8-12, Lk 22:24-27; and Jn 13:12-17. Three reasons are then presented as to why religious educators should choose to exercise and model servant leadership for their students. These are: servant leadership is the way Jesus exercised leadership; servant …

The L.E.A.D. Project: Leading Educational Achievement Through Dialogue 2010, Michael O'Neill, Anne Coffey, Shane D. Lavery, Jennifer Oaten, Lou Thompson

Shane D Lavery

The L.E.A.D. Project: Leading Educational Achievement Through Dialogue 2010 is the report of the research team from the University of Notre Dame Australia funded by the Australian Government Quality Teacher Program. It is a multi-site case study which gathered data on high performing secondary schools in the Catholic system of Western Australia The data was gathered from 9 secondary schools in the Catholic system. All Principals and Deputy Principals (Curriculum) were interviewed for the study. Focus groups of Heads of Learning were interviewed, in total 32 Heads of Learning participated. Focus groups of teachers were interviewed, in total 38 teachers …

Service-Learning: Promoting Leadership In Young People, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

This article proposes two ways in which service-learning can promote responsible leadership in young people. First, service-learning can develop specific leadership skills. Second, service-learning can engender a notion of leadership based on service. The article then explores the practical experiences and reflections of education students studying a first semester service-learning course at the University of Notre Dame Australia Fremantle campus. These responses indicate ways those involved in service-learning are able to meet needs in the community. Finally, the article considers a range of comments made by the students' placement supervisors. Many of the comments highlight leadership attributes and behaviours.

Religious Educators: Promoting An Ecological Balance, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

This article explores the role of religious educators in developing young people as ecologically responsive citizens. Underpinning this role is an appreciation that creation is a gift from God, that one must act as a responsible steward of creation, and that the world’s resources are to be used ethically. The article initially presents a Catholic approach to environmental concerns with particular reference to the statements of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. It then draws on statements from the publication Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church that relate to the protection of the environment. These statements provide …

Student Leaders: So Many Reasons To Bother, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

WHY bother with student leadership when the school day is so busy? Why bother when teachers already develop students academically, socially, vocationally, morally and physically? Why bother when staff interact with students on the sports field, in drama, liturgy, debating, the orchestra or the choral ensemble? Why bother when students can 'learn' leadership by simply watching and then sampling the extensive range of experiences offered in our technological, post-modern twenty-first century?

One reason (perhaps warning) derives from research in the United States which suggests that many high school students do not consider themselves as having leadership potential. Such studies indicate …

Teaching For The Future: Framing An Environmentally Sustainable Future Through Teacher Education, Shane D. Lavery

Shane D Lavery

This article briefly outlines the development of a Catholic approach to ecological awareness with particular examination of environmental education in Australia. The importance of teacher formation in the area of eco-literacy, both at pre-service and postgraduate level is highlighted. Specific reference is then made to the experiences and perceptions of teachers and pre-service teachers in two case studies at The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle Campus.