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​Materials & Teacher Preparation

Get everything you need to start teaching today.

In this download center you can access, download or print copies of handouts, activities, and discussion-related materials you will need to make this lesson a success. We recommend the following class preparation.

Equipment

  • Computer with Internet access for teacher 

  • Computers with Internet access for students (if you are teaching this lesson using online versions of materials) 

  • Computer projector 

  • Speakers 

  • Whiteboard

 

Teacher Preparation

Follow the instructions below before starting this lesson.

  1. If teaching this lesson using print materials, make the appropriate number of copies of all student materials. (Quantities listed below.) If running the gallery walk activity on Day One as a physical gallery walk, make one copy of Stations 1–5 and arrange the classroom so that there are five “stations” placed as far apart as possible in the classroom. Place one Station description at each station.

  2. Set up and test computer, projector, speakers, and the videos (available online) before starting the lesson. Confirm that you are able to play and project the video with adequate audio volume.

  3. If you are teaching this lesson using online versions of materials, ensure that computers are available for in-class student use.

Students explore the meaning of leadership and attempt to characterize it by reflecting on personal experiences of effective leadership. They then learn about five theories of leadership, assess the strengths and weaknesses of each, and consider the extent to which these theories resonate with their own experiences.

Materials

Day One

soft focus hands of a young woman as she

Materials

ACTIVITY
Students define leadership themselves and discuss a provided definition.

Teacher Information 

Student Handout

one copy per student (optional)

Concept leader of a business team. Crowd

Teacher Information 

ACTIVITY
Have students reexamine their notions about leadership in light of five main theories of leadership.

Materials

Student Handout

one copy per student (optional)

skydiving-603639_1920.jpg

Materials

Teacher Information 

ACTIVITY
Students review the five theories of leadership as a group and then reflect on them together.

Student Handout

one copy per student (optional)

Students turn their attention to practical, contextual leadership. They watch short videos of U.S. Presidents, members of Congress, and fellow students reflecting on the real-world practice of leadership in different contexts. Finally, students consider the leadership characteristics they would like to embody and how best to foster those characteristics within themselves and others.

Materials

Day Two

The dome inside of US Capitol in Washing

Video: Congressional Reflections on Leadership

Student Handout

one copy per student (optional)

Materials

Teacher Information 

WATCH
Students hear from Members of Congress about their views on leadership.

Materials

Teacher Information 

Student Handout

one copy per student

ASSIGNMENT
Students compose a final reflection on leaders they know and their own leadership experiences.
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WATCH
In this video young Americans talk about leadership.

Video: What You Want in a Leader: Student Perspectives

Student Handout

one copy per student (optional)

Materials

Teacher Information 

Text Bubbles.jpg

Materials

Teacher Information 

ACTIVITY
Have students reflect on the role and value of effective leadership in government and society at large in the United States.

Student Handout

one copy per group of 3–5 students (optional)

President George Bush.png

Student Handout

one copy per student (optional)

Materials

Teacher Information 

Video: What Defines a Leader? Two Presidents Speak Out

WATCH
Former U.S. Presidents discuss what leadership qualities they find most important.

Use these extension activities to extend the lesson and reinforce understanding.

Materials

Extension Activies

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Teacher Information 

Student Handout

one copy per student (optional)

Materials

ACTIVITY
Engage students in a debate about the role leaders play in shaping history.
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Materials

Teacher Information 

ASSIGNMENT
Have students consider which theory of leadership most resonates with them.

Student Handout

one copy per student

Station 1: Leadership is a Trait

one copy

Station 2: Leadership is an Ability

one copy

Station 3: Leadership is a Skill

one copy

Station 4: Leadership is a Behavior

one copy

Station 5: Leadership is a Relationship

one copy

Leadership Theory Notepad

one copy per student

Materials

Teacher Information 

ACTIVITY
Students learn more about the five major theories of leadership in this gallery walk activity.
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