LEARNING FROM LEADERSHIP CAPSTONE PROJECTS
Abstract
Using a qualitative grounded theory approach, student guided leadership capstone projects were examined using a thematic analysis to determine the categories of projects students chose. The research sought to answer two research questions: 1) What areas of leadership development do students seek out through capstone projects for a four-year leadership studies minor? 2) What can this tell us about the program from an evaluation perspective? The analysis found four categories: self-care, application and understanding of leadership, interpersonal skills, and intercultural development skills. The implications for leadership educators are discussed as well as how capstone projects can be utilized in other leadership programs.