ERIC Number: EJ751959
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 17
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0256-8543
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Available Date: N/A
"Not the Same Kind of Leaders": Four Young Children's Unique Ways of Influencing Others
Lee, Seung Yeon; Recchia, Susan L.; Shin, Min Sun
Journal of Research in Childhood Education, v20 n2 p132 Win 2005
This qualitative multi-case study explored four young leaders' idiosyncratic leadership styles manifested within the context of their classrooms (toddler and preschool). In order to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity and variety of early childhood leadership and provide holistic descriptions of young leaders' emerging leadership behaviors, the data were collected through teacher interviews and two kinds of observations (natural observations and videotaped observations) in a university-affiliated child care center. Although there were some common characteristics across all four young leaders, each of the young leaders was quite unique in his or her leadership characteristics and ways of enacting leadership in the classroom. Interestingly, each of them also was quite powerful in his or her particular way. Findings also suggested that differences in age group and classroom dynamics influenced children's enactment of leadership and responses from others in their respective classrooms. Recognizing individual differences in young children's leadership styles and strengths, this study encourages educators and researchers to broaden their perspectives and assumptions about early childhood leadership and young leaders, and to create classroom environments that support the emergence of different leadership styles.
Descriptors: Age, Young Children, Leadership, Leadership Styles, Individual Differences, Classroom Environment, Case Studies, Toddlers, Preschool Children, Interaction, Teacher Student Relationship, Teacher Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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