Leadership Practices Used by School Leaders to Foster 21st Century Skills Among Elementary School Students: A Phenomenology Study

Abstract

In today’s 21st-century era, skills like critical thinking, communication, creativity, and collaboration are needed in modern society. These skills help students in their future education, and students can solve their real-life problems. This study explored the leadership practices used by school leaders in developing 21^st century skills among elementary school students in private educational institutions of Sialkot. It was a qualitative study using a phenomenological research design. 9 participants were selected through the purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. An interview guide was developed based on the objective of the study and relevant previous literature. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data by Braun & Clarke following six steps. The main theme derived from the data was Leadership practices and strategies for fostering 21^st century skills. There were four sub-themes: teacher professional development and capacity building, activity-based and student-centred instructional leadership, and creating safe and supportive environments for intellectual risk-taking. The results of the study indicate that the teachers’ professional development, student-centred and activity-based instructional strategies, student-centred instructional leadership and a supportive and safe environment by school leaders were used to promote 21^st century skills.   The heads of school still have an affirmative and positive attitude towards fostering these crucial skills among students. With proper resources and support, they can bring further desirable changes to the education system. Also, school leaders should be supported with professional learning and create a structured environment for the development of 21^st century skills.