Responsible leadership education in the primary school community through agricultural praxes

Abstract

The objective of this research is to show how the introduction of agriculture praxes in primary schools supports responsible leadership aptitudes and skills in students. In this thesis, the notion of agriculture praxes will be regarded as the agricultural praxes that are led by pedagogical theories and ideals. This project provides the students with the knowledge, skills and ability to live healthy, productive and sustainable lives. It is authentic learning that develops ecological literacy, academic accomplishment, strong character and a commitment to the community. The research focuses on the school community and will develop in three stages. To begin with, through the literature review, the study presents a critical analysis of what responsible leadership is and how it is developed in students through agricultural praxes. Secondly, it introduces agricultural praxes as part of a primary school curriculum, in which students are encouraged to engage with agriculture and farming praxes like, for instance, planting, watering and harvesting of herbs, fruits and vegetables. Thirdly, the research constructs an analysis, based on the empirical data that is collected from the chosen school through qualitative and quantitative research as well as observation sessions, of how agriculture contributes to the development of responsible leadership. Through comparing and contrasting works being done through the agricultural praxes, this study will show that students are induced to engage as responsible leaders. The concluding section will also offer suggestions for further development in responsible leadership education through agricultural praxes in schools. Agricultural praxes will be presented as tools that enhance communication, team building and civic engagement in the school community. It will be shown that students engaging in agricultural praxes show positive, increasing and evident traces of responsible leadership, as well an improvement in other curricular areas.