In my experience learning communities have strong inclusion cultures when they are committed to continue improvement, collective responsibility, and have clear shared goals. This growth mindset can be achieved when leaders develop their own abilities to advocate, support, and celebrate individuals and see conflict as an opportunity for learning. Leaders are the shapers of the climate for a community with clear expectations, consistent relationship building, and by being a role model to reinforce expected behavior. When a community’s climate is strong, each individual has a shared perception that they belong, that they are an essential member of the community, and that it is their uniqueness that is most valued and integrated. When all members of a community feel they belong, you have a strong leader.
Using inclusive methods to foster student-driven issues in a positive and productive direction without laying blame or complaining students are making positive changes for the future. Armed with the tools and ability to create their own deadlines, students search out on-campus experts, and practice collaborating with peers and adults to create consensus to solve real problems. This increases engagement in other opportunities where students could take leadership roles such as the campus improvement programs, community outreach services, and even our school-wide annual Dongdaewon fundraising Initiative to support health care in North Korea.
In South Korea, there were as little to no opportunities for student voice outside the classrooms. I was able to provide teachers and administrators proven methods and strategies to create opportunities for students to be heard on campus. These inclusive methods foster student-driven issues in a positive and productive direction without laying blame or complaining. After a trial run of a “Student leadership After school club” students were able to create their own deadlines, they search out on-campus experts, and practice collaborating with peers and adults to create consensus. This increased engagement in other opportunities where students could take leadership roles such as the campus ambassadors and community outreach programs including our annual Dongdaewon Initiative to support health care in North Korea
Seoul, South Korea
