Effective leadership in education and the effects of information technology on educational methods were discussed by the European Ministers for Education at the meeting of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council in Brussels. At the meeting, in representation of Hungary, Minister of State for Public Education Dr. Rózsa Hoffmann also expressed her views on these issues.
What criteria are required for effective leadership in education? What competences are assigned to leadership roles for effective learning and educational success and what tasks are related to effective leaders? What policies and strategies promote effective learning in the European Union? These were the topics discussed by the politicians of the European Union. As key drivers of growth, competitiveness and social cohesion in a knowledge-based society, Europe’s education and training systems require strong and effective leadership at all levels.
The conclusions of the discussion - the criteria for effective learning - were compiled into a document by the participants. The Conclusions draw attention to the fact that strong and effective learning is indispensable at all levels of education. It is of primary importance that leaders in education can focus on the improvement of quality education and create conditions in which they can share leadership responsibilities. It must be emphasised that educational leadership can only be effective when it is based on clearly defined roles; moreover, sufficient flexibility, autonomy and accountability are required to create balance in school leadership.
The issue of information technology and digital learning also came up at the Council Meeting: information communication technology has a strong effect on the field of education and „open educational resources and digital learning” challenges the traditional forms of education. Consequently, the ministers responsible for education held a discussion entitled "Opening up education: making innovative education and learning available to all through new technologies and open teaching aids". The decision-makers took into account the opportunities that lie in open educational resources and considered what policies are required by the union in order to urge the implementation of innovative methodological and technical approaches in education.
The "internationalisation" of European Higher Education (this topic is a top priority in the programme of the Lithuanian EU presidency) was also on the agenda of the Council Meeting, at which Hungary was represented by the Minister of State for Public Education. At the beginning of the 21 century, more importance is attached to international competitiveness and mobility. By adopting the Conclusion on the global dimension of higher education, the ministers responsible for education encourage Member States to develop an internationalisation strategy. Developing a comprehensive internationalisation strategy means, above all, positioning higher education institutions, their students, researchers and staff, and national systems within the global platform, in accordance with countries' individual profile, evolving labour market needs and economic strategy. The Conclusion also touches upon the importance of the improvement of management skills in enhancing efficient operation.
(Ministry of Human Resources)
