Reflection from the Lecturer Implementing these teaching strategies has provided valuable insights into student engagement and development. Students have shown significant improvements in self-awareness, communication skills, and leadership abilities. Observing these transformations has been immensely rewarding and has highlighted the effectiveness of experiential learning and technology-enhanced teaching methods. As a lecturer, I have also developed my skills in facilitating leadership development, adapting my teaching approaches based on student feedback and outcomes (Steffens et al., 2021; Johnson, 2019). Impact and Recommendations The overall impact of these teaching practices has been positive, with students demonstrating enhanced leadership skills and greater readiness for the retail industry. Other educators are encouraged to adopt similar strategies, emphasising self-awareness, practical application, and empathy in leadership education (Sele et al., 2021). Future improvements could include incorporating more diverse scenarios and expanding technology to engage students further and enhance learning outcomes (Serrano et al., 2019). The success of these strategies underscores the importance of experiential learning and continuous adaptation in teaching methodologies. As the retail industry continues to evolve, particularly in the face of technological disruption and global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic (Chatterjee et al., 2021), the development of authentic, adaptable leaders becomes increasingly critical. Conclusion The innovative teaching practices implemented to develop leadership skills among retail students at UJ have proven transformative. By integrating technologyenhanced strategies like audiobooks, personal journaling, and simulations, we have created a dynamic learning environment that fosters critical skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and adaptive problem-solving. These methods align with UJ’s strategic goals and address the pressing needs of the retail industry. Such innovative pedagogies are crucial in shaping future retail leaders as we navigate an increasingly digital world. This approach sets a new standard in leadership education, equipping students to tackle complex challenges in the evolving retail landscape. Teaching Innovation for the 21st Century | Showcasing UJ Teaching Innovation Projects 2024 24
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