A distributed leadership communication strategy for improved learner academic perfomance

[摘要] English: Addressing the problem of learner academic performance at Lesotho high schools is along-standing phenomenon. In this study, the researcher explored the influence ofdistributed leadership practice on improving the learner academic performance of highschool learners and interpersonal communication needed for addressing learneracademic performance at schools, in order to ensure how the principals could usedistributed leadership practice and interpersonal communication to enhance theacademic performance of the learners. In the study, a literature search was conductedfocusing on applicable theoretical frameworks and on the outcomes of past research. Inparticular, literature from national and international studies on how distributed leadershipcan impacts functioning of learner academic performance was consulted.The study employed a qualitative approach to what distributed leadership communicationstrategy may be effective in improving learners' academic performance. Individual, indepthinterviews were employed to collect data from participants. They comprised theprincipals of four high schools, Grade 10 teachers, parents, the chief and counsellor, aswell as the chairpersons of the board chosen from four high schools in the Berea districtof Lesotho.A key finding revealed that distributed leadership practice is not adequately practised atthe high schools. Leadership and communication strategies for principals need effectivetraining sessions. Currently no workshops are provided by the Ministry of Education andTraining for teachers and principals to attend because of insufficient funds. These arestrongly needed in order to equip leaders with the necessary skills. Parent communitypartnership within the school seems limited, which leads to hampering learners' academicperformance.

[发布机构] University of the Free State