MSU Researcher Wins Award for Research on Inclusive Leadership & E-learning in Marginalised Zim Schools During COVID-19

Since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, students from across the world have had to embrace new modes of learning through a variety of e-learning platforms as part of the new normal. While for students in developed economies the transition from face-to-face learning to virtual e-learning platforms has been somewhat smooth, the same cannot be said for students from underdeveloped economies.

In her research titled the “Role of Inclusive Leadership in Facilitating Electronic Learning During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Zimbabwe’s Marginalised Schools”, Dr Guvhu examines how effectively school principals use inclusive leadership strategies to promote e-learning in 300 marginalised schools in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study discovered variations in how principals made use of four defined inclusive leadership strategies for e-learning, suggesting that they seldom produce change or share a common vision. Thus, according to the findings, there is a need for principals to be more inclusive by being impartial, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging multiple voices, particularly those of quiet teams to participate in e-learning decisions. Therefore, if properly implemented, the inclusive leadership system could enhance principals’ competencies in implementing e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and other similar disturbances.

Dr Guvhu’s research reveals the central role that principals must play in helping to ensure that students from the underclasses are not excluded from accessing education in line with national Vision 2030 which seeks to achieve inclusive quality education for all.

Dr Rosemary Guvhu is a lecturer in the Department of Educational Policy Studies and Leadership under the Faculty of Education. She holds a PhD in Comparative Education and Education Management from the University of the Free State, South Africa.