The Influence of Instructors in Developing Instructional Leadership Skills to Teacher Trainees in the UAE

Abstract

The evolving demands of education underscore the critical role of instructional leadership in preparing teacher trainees to meet future challenges. However, the conceptualization and developing of instructional leadership skills (ILS) in higher education remain underexplored, particularly in the UAE. This study aims to examine the influence of instructors on developing ILS to teacher trainees across five campuses within a higher education institution in the UAE, utilizing Hallinger and Murphy’s instructional leadership model and a pragmatic mixed-methods approach. The research involved 247 teacher trainees, and 48 instructors questioned quantitatively, alongside qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with 30 participants (2 instructors and 4 trainees per campus). Quantitative analysis, including regression and Mann-Whitney U tests, revealed that role modelling, mentoring, and reflective practices significantly enhanced ILS development, contributing to 25% and 18% of the variance, respectively. Leadership styles such as democratic and transformational leadership were strongly associated with effective ILS development, while barriers included resource constraints and rigid performance practices. Qualitative findings identified eight dimensions of ILS, including Vision, Curriculum Leadership, and Monitoring and Evaluation. Experiential learning, collaborative environments, and supportive leadership emerged as key enablers, while logistical challenges, lack of resources, and cultural expectations were notable barriers. Participants emphasized the importance of a supportive learning environment and structured professional development programs in fostering ILS. The findings underscore the interplay of instructional strategies, leadership styles, and contextual factors in shaping teacher trainees’ effectiveness.

Keywords: instructional leadership, instructional leadership skills, teacher trainees, UAE