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13 Supervision Principles for Academic Leaders

Successful supervision involves not only overseeing supervisees, but also creating an environment conducive to effective teaching and student success. Key principles based on Gordon (2003):

 

  1. Alignment and Congruence: Successful supervision, teaching, and learning should be aligned and congruent with each other. When these processes reflect and support one another, they create a “hall of mirrors.” This means that effective supervision enhances teaching, which in turn positively impacts student learning.
  2. Professional Decision-Making: Successful teaching involves professional decision-making facilitated by supportive supervision. Department heads play a crucial role in providing guidance and support to faculty members, ensuring effective teaching practices.
  3. Student-Driven Learning: The most powerful type of learning occurs when students are actively engaged in their own learning process. Teacher-facilitated learning, where educators guide and support students, contributes to successful outcomes.
  4. Dimensions of Successful Educational Institutions: Supervision, teaching, and learning intersect across ten dimensions of successful institutions:

 

    • Care: Fostering a caring environment for students and staff.
    • Service: Providing quality service to the educational community.
    • Trust: Building trust among stakeholders.
    • Democratic Community: Encouraging participation and collaboration.
    • Equity Grounded in Equality: Ensuring fairness and equal opportunities.
    • Justice and Peace: Promoting social justice and peaceful coexistence.
    • Symbols and Ceremonies: Recognizing and celebrating achievements.
    • Freedom and Creativity: Encouraging innovation and creativity.
    • Holistic Development: Nurturing students’ overall growth.
    • College Vision: Having a clear vision for the College’s future.

 

Gordon, S. (2023). Supervision, Teaching, and Learning in Successful Schools: A Hall of Mirrors. Journal of Educational Supervision, 6(3).

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Academic Leadership Toolkit Copyright © 2024 by Ricardo Castro-Salazar, Ed.D. Faculty Affairs & Development. All Rights Reserved.

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