In foundational schools which are better known as basic schools, every class has its own representatives called the class prefects and they perform various roles that help the teachers in managing the classes. It is an avenue of leadership development even among young pupils which become part of their character development for future roles. Managing students in high schools and higher educational institutions is not a small task but with the unrelenting efforts of course reps, the tasks becomes manageable and things are kept under control to subdue any burnout that may result in the absence of the reps. The reps are part of the institution's organizational structure and serve as the link between teachers and the students.
We'll explore:
- What is a course rep?
- What is a class rep?
- How to become a course rep
- Purpose of a course rep
- Responsibilities of the course rep
- Skills and qualities of a course rep
- Impact and benefits
What is a Course Rep?
A course rep known as the course representative is the bridge between lecturers and students in a higher educational institution. The course rep has various roles delegated to him or her either by the authorities or the entire class. Their position is more of acting on behalf of the class in many instances which create order. The existence of the course reps is very crucial in the management and balance of academic activities that create a smooth running of activities. Higher educational institutions normally operate in a structural organogram which create that hierarchical transmission of information. A program of study may have other divisions due to the various fields of specialty it includes. This results in separation of students in groups and the groups must have a representative to make things run smoothly.
A class rep on the other hand is the representative of a class and in higher educational institutions, it is almost or the same as the course rep. Considering basic schools and secondary schools that run under mostly classes, the reps are better referred to as class reps or class prefects. Class prefects in some schools are very much respected and in the absence of the class teacher, they represent the teacher and keep the class engaged with some productive activity.
How to become a course rep
Assumption of the position of a course representative is either by appointment or by voting by a majority of the class. By appointment will mean that a lecturer or the class can decide to select someone from the class whom they think is capable of doing the work and entrust the responsibility into his or her hands.
However, it can also be by voting where a number of people will either apply for the position or be appointed for the position after which the class votes and the majority decides. Course reps do not work alone but work with assistants to ease the burden they bear. Handling this position has its own benefits for the reps among others for the entire class.
Purpose of electing a course rep
Obviously, a small class will be easier to manage as compared to a bigger class of more than 100 students. An educational institution's structure has the class representatives mostly the second to last and the students happen to the the last on most of the structures as far as academics is concerned. The existence of the reps ensures that there is order in everything that thrives in the school.
They represent the entire class and acts on behalf of the class. Their role is very essential to the other students whom they represent.
Responsibilities of the course rep
- Collect and submit assignments on behalf of the class.
- Relay information from teachers to fellow students.
- Speak on behalf of the class as the need arises.
- Attend meetings on behalf of the class.
- Make sure class is in order for lecturing or any teaching activity.
Qualities of the course rep
Not anyone can effectively perform the responsibilities of a course rep but one who has characteristics or qualities of a leader. To handle the position, the rep leads the class and therefore must ensure he or she is develops leadership qualities to be very productive doing the work.
Some of the qualities include:
- Tolerance
- Good communication skills
Having good communication skills will make it easy for the course rep to relate well with everyone of the class members such that there is unity and harmony among the students. It is this quality that ensures that followers obey their leaders with all commitment. The communication skill has to do with good verbal and non-verbal communication and it ensures that a person's action correlates with whatever one is saying.
Respect to authority, respect to people whether old or young and good social values are needed to enhance a good working environment as a course representative or a class prefect.
Absolute confidence to manage stubborn colleagues is a must to make the work easier. Working as a course rep or class prefect can be daunting at times which demands some level of confidence to be able to stay bold and handle.
Leadership is more about service than lauding oneself over the people. A humble character is what it takes to lead people of different nature to be able to get them on board to perform a task to achieve the set targets or goals.
Not just anyone can handle this position knowing the fact that the work can be demanding. A student with absolute commitment to his studies is the best fit for the position so that the work does not affect their academic performance. The course rep sets good standards for the colleagues and so automatically they put in more work so that the colleagues who look up to them will not be disappointed.
Impact and benefits
Being a course rep helps person experience how leadership can be and also helps to build leadership qualities in a person such that he or she is able to handle roles in the future at the place of work. It is very interesting to note that amidst the roles they perform, they are also students and therefore have that task to also do more in terms of academics so that they do not lack of stay behind. This demand makes them go the extra mile and become even more knowledgeable in a lot of areas.
Offering oneself to do this sacrificial work can also pave way for the future so the benefits even go beyond the school.
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