Effects That Leadership Styles of Teachers Have on the Performance of Students in Licensure Examinations

Introduction

Various cognitive factors have been to have a correlation with the academic success in various disciplines of study. For instance, scientists have found that academic success in the doctor of pharmacy courses is highly dependent on the previous successes. In addition, stronger academic and test competence are other factors that have been associated with high performances. Instructors and higher education institutions are placing the high emphasis on licensure examination performances of their graduates, and have increased the need for the teachers to design a leadership style that will ensure that they perform magnificently. And while cognitive factors have been proved to have an influence in the academic performance, researchers continue to show interest in investigating the influence that non-cognitive factors have on academic performance as well. As such, this research will look at the teachers' mediating effect of the commitment and moderating effect of their leadership style on the grit and performance of the licensure examination students.

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Research Questions

• Does grit affect the performance of students in licensure examinations?
• How does the leadership style of teachers affect students' commitment?
• How does the teachers' commitment mediate in the relationship between grit and performance of students in licensure examinations?
• How does teachers' leadership moderate in the relationship between students' grit and their performance in licensure examination?

Literature Review

There has been an enormous amount of research done to determine the relationship between grit and academic performance. Depending on the context in which it is being used, grit can have various meanings, including firmness of character to an indomitable spirit (Cosgrove, Chen & Castelli, 2018). However, in the context of academic performance, grit is used as an implication of perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Previous research has affirmed that the most reliable measures of students' persistence in colleges and universities are grades and intelligence, but it has also been found that other factors like abilities such as talent and IQ are not sufficient to predict high achievement or later success in academic performance (Andersen, Heinesen & Pedersen, 2014). Current research on academic performance posits that factors that relate to character and trait, like mental toughness and perseverance are positively related to better performance in academic fields, as well as in real-world setting (Lee, 2017). The only implication of the above statement is that if students with less academic ability can still perform equally well as those with more academic ability, then it follows that there is a factor that can be used to measure academic capability, other than performance.

It is true to assert that the relationship between grit as a personality factor and academic performance and success is rather new concept (Mason, 2018). As of date, only a handful of researchers have researched on this phenomenon, and Duckworth et al. (2007) are considered to the pioneer. Duckworth et al argue that achievement in academics is as a result of a combination of innate talent, as well as effort. In other words, Duckworth et al. argue that success is not solely achieved by the students' ability but by the combination of personality traits like grit and deliberate practice and cognitive ability (2007). A research by Hogan & Wong (2013) also stipulates that grittier individuals have been associated with working harder and for longer and are generally more inclined to engage in deliberate practices that would enhance success in their endeavors. In addition, these researchers found out that grittier individuals are more diligent and persistent, and are not discouraged by setbacks or failure due to their focus on the goal (Cohen, 2017). The same researchers also stipulate that less gritty individuals do not have the same traits of perseverance and impeccable courage to their goal or project.

While leadership has been defined differently pursuant to the current situation, the general definition is narrow down to influence, direction or persuasion of a group or a person to move in a particular direction (Lim, Ha & Hwang, 2016). The leadership of a school is no different, which simply is the process of influencing and guiding teachers, other staff, and students toward achieving a common educational goal. Schools provide instruction, training, and coaching to learners under the direction of their teachers. Most of these institutions have jurisdictions of formal educational systems for guiding learners until they qualify (Sohrabi,et al., 2015). Research has identified that like any other institution, the success of an educational facility would heavily depend on good leadership, underlining the importance of a proper and fitting leadership to define the quality of the next generation. Leadership in schools, therefore, must be looked into carefully, due to its capacity to influence people and change discourse (Wong, 2015). A good leadership will result in the commitment of the same magnitude because research has found out that there is a strong correlation between leadership and management. Leadership can also be considered on personal levels, especially in the current study (Sohrabi,et al., 2015). The type of leadership that teachers exhibit can have massive impacts on grit and students' performance in licensure examinations. Research has revealed that some personality traits are developed through coaching and meaningful interactions, implying that perseverance can be impacted by someone's life.

Research Method

Due to the nature of the research in the current study, it is appropriate to use a case study to answer the research questions. A case study is vital in this kind of research because it helps in the exploration and comprehension of complex issues. Case study as a research method is essential, especially when an in-depth investigation is required; reminiscent of this current study. It is important to also note that the use of a case study as a research method is considered a robust research method especially when character-like aspects like perseverance, mental toughness, etc., and community-based problem are involved in a study, such as cultural issues, poverty, education, etc. For this reason, then, the use of a case study as the research method is justified.

Significance of the Research

Grit is a concept that is heavily applied in the educational setting, and it was previously associated with the effectiveness of teachers and their retention. Grit, in addition, has been cited as a powerful indicator of academic excellence and achievement. This research is significant in expanding the theoretical knowledge of grit and how different factors can affect it, as well as student's performance in licensure examinations.

References

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