Gaya Kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah dalam Mengembangkan Komunitas Riset sebagai Program Unggulan Sekolah

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the role of the principal’s leadership style in developing a research community as a flagship program at SDN Pelambuan 4 Banjarmasin. This study used a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation involving the principal, research community mentor teachers, and student members of the research community. The results showed that the principal applied participative, democratic, and transformational leadership styles. These leadership styles were reflected in the principal’s openness in involving teachers and students, providing opportunities to express ideas, and supporting the development of students’ potential. The research community was developed through collaborative planning, provision of facilities, teacher mentoring, arrangement of guidance time, and collaboration with external partners. Although several obstacles were found, such as limited time, student consistency, and the number of school programs running simultaneously, these challenges were managed through regular evaluation, flexible scheduling, and task distribution. The research community had positive impacts on students’ self-confidence, critical thinking skills, creativity, independence, collaboration, and the strengthening of the school’s scientific culture.