LEADERSHIP COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will deal with the theoretical and practical applications of human relations. The time in class will be split between classroom instruction and practical workshops acquiring and using the basic knowledge of leadership and peer helping. The students will develop peer helping skills, learn how to run meetings, practice efficient public speaking, review resume and interview skills, be involved in promotion and running of school events, and work on school and community relations.

This course is designed for students to:

• realize the importance of self-esteem and use this knowledge to become effective leaders and helpers
• develop into sensitive listeners and utilize effective communication skills
• acquire basic organizational and meeting skills and use these skills in planned events at the school and in the classroom
• develop independent research and study skills and educate fellow classmates with the information gained
• become Peer Helpers who listen to and help facilitate the growth and development of other students

AIM # 1: UNDERSTAND THEMSELVES

Before the students can really understand and help others, they must work toward a clear and realistic understanding of themselves. It is through this personal understanding of themselves and all of the elements that make up the self-concept that the students will feel confident enough to be able to help others. The students will be involved in co-ordinating actual school events (such as a blood donor clinic and a United Way fundraising campaign) and this self-confidence will be tested and strengthened as a result.

AIM # 2: DEVELOP COMMUNICATION SKILLS

In order to help other students and to become competent leaders, the students in this course will learn and practice effective listening and communication skills. This will be accomplished through the exploration of the communication process and the practice of actual listening skills. The students will also learn public speaking skills that will allow them to organize their thoughts and present them in impromptu and prepared speeches. It is through these communication skills that the students will be able to facilitate decision making for themselves and others.

AIIM # 3: ORGANIZE EVENTS AND RUN MEETINGS

The students will learn how to run effective meetings, work in groups to accomplish specific goals, and be individually responsible for the complete process of having a speaker come to the school and speak to the class or a school group. These skills and the first hand knowledge of the problems and rewards involved in the organizational process will be invaluable to the growth and development of the students in this course.

AIM # 4: DEMONSTRATE INDEPENDENT STUDY

The students will independently research the life and accomplishments of recognized leaders. They will then present their research in an organized seminar to the class. The life and accomplishments of the research subjects will serve as role models for the students and the process of investigation allows the students to learn this information on their own.

AIM # 5: BECOME PEER HELPERS

Peer Helping is a process whereby trained and supervised students offer listening, information, support and alternatives, but little or no advice to other students. The students in this course will be involved in helping newcomers to the school become familiar with the rules and routines of this school. They will also help students who are familiar with the day to day operation of school, yet do not feel comfortable either socially or academically. Peer Helping is an effective way of helping students who are having problems because students most often seek other students for help when experiencing some uncertainty or difficulty.

COURSE EVALUATION:

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