A Biblical Vision for Christian School Leadership

EDU505 │ Core Subject │ 10 credit points

Overview

A specific goal of this subject is to help students gain an in-depth understanding of leadership theory in general with a particular focus on education leadership theory. Of course, just like any academic activity, these “theories” have been developed within particular worldview frameworks. Students will—think “no neutrality”—begin to identify these theories and think critically about them within an understanding of “no neutrality”. Reading what scholars and practitioners have to say about leadership, students will be encouraged to both identify and critique their own pre-conceptions, experiences, and understandings ideas as well with reference to a biblical perspective on the literature in this field.

From this basis, students can then begin to to think critically about their own personal leadership development, leadership in their school, and can begin to consider ways to grow in both an understanding and practice of leadership. At the conclusion of this subject, students will reflect on how their thinking about leadership has changed as a result of this academic engagement and biblical critique. More importantly it is hoped that their leadership practice will be both more effective and reflective of a biblically informed view of the world.

Prerequisites

EDU400/400a Biblical Foundations of Education and EDU501/501a Worldviews and Educational Practice

Teaching methods

TYPEHOURS PER WEEKNUMBER OF WEEKSTOTAL (NUMBER OF HOURS)
Online Semester
Directed online learning and independent learning
1013130
Total130

Learning outcomes

Student who successfully complete this subject will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of educational leadership theory in the context of Christian schooling.
  2. Identify and critically analyse worldview frameworks of leadership theories.
  3. Research relevant literature in order to articulate a biblical perspective of educational leadership.
  4. Apply educational leadership theory to personal and communal leadership practices, and adopt changes as necessary.
  5. Critically reflect on and critique personal views and practices of leadership as a result of academic engagement and biblical worldview

Graduate Attributes

  1. Christian worldview
  2. Leadership
  3. Integrity and Justice
  4. Communication
  5. Personal and Social Skills
  6. Creative and Creative Thinking
  7. Professional Knowledge

Assessment

TYPEWEIGHTING
Critical Reflective Pieces20%
Essay40%
Self-Study Project Report40%

Subject content

  1. The important of the Identity of the Leader
  2. Vision and Purpose in Christian Schooling
  3. Leadership and School Leadership
  4. Biblical Leadership
  5. Christian School Leadership
  6. Leading Self and Others
  7. Leading Education
  8. Toward Christian Schooling

Prescribed text and reading materials

Christopher Prior (2023). Who we are matters: Reflections on Christian school
leadership
. National Institute for Christian Education

Set text also available for loan from National Institute Library.

A list of reading materials will be available in the Subject Outline on eLearning Portal.