KORCOS IEC 19

In this session, participants will learn how to establish, run, and adapt a leadership forum structure which empowers students as young as 10 years old to make positive change. Techniques shared can be used with small groups in a clubs or teams, with students in daily classroom environments, or even with a whole division-wide student council setting. We will discuss the specific needs of working with your unique populations and how to ensure by-in, avoid burnout, and continuously garner positive meaningful outcomes. I have found that the main outcomes from using a leadership forum model while advising the middle school student government for the past three years in Egypt, in my classroom in the past ten years, and while serving on various committees with colleagues, are as follows: (1) more girls are involved since leadership is not a popularity contest, (2) momentum and participation grows, rather than dwindles over time, since real effects are seen, and (3) anyone, anyone, anyone can participate at anytime.

Session Objectives:

Implement easy to use structures and pedagogies that will immediately encourage positive leadership in students and team members.
Examine the special need and unique challenges of leading any team.
Formulate methods to use challenges as an asset toward short and long term goals.