Transformational Leadership Qualities of Teacher Candidates in Classrooms: A Study from UAE

Abstract

Universities have an objective of developing leadership skills in students. This study explores the development of these skills in relation to College of Education teacher candidates’ character, personality and performance during teaching in classrooms. The current research is structured around Northouse’s (2016) transformational leadership model. He states that transformational leaders possess four components; idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. In the current study, the four components were identified during teaching and interaction with students in classrooms. Thirty-two teacher candidates were observed during teaching in the classroom and several traits were exhibited most while another set were observed least. The study suggested that the university introduces teacher candidates to new perspectives, courses, and training that may enhance efforts to develop their leadership qualities successfully.