Empowering tomorrow: A measurement model for student leadership skills in Malaysian boarding schools

This study employs a quantitative research approach to develop and validate a measurement model for Student Leadership Skills (SLS) among students in Malaysian Fully Residential Schools (FRS) using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via IBM SPSS AMOS. Based on pilot study findings involving 116 FRS teachers, the instrument's validity was established through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), while its reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.964. The EFA results identified three dimensions within the SLS construct which are Entrepreneurial Mindset, Resilience across Emotional Intelligence, and Communication Skills with the removal of five items due to low factor loadings. Using actual study data from 407 FRS teachers, the measurement model was successfully developed and demonstrated a good model fit indices (Chi Square df = 2.884, RMSEA = 0.073, GFI = 0.923, AGFI = 0.891, CFI = 0.963, TLI = 0.955, NFI = 0.945) through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The model was further tested for construct validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and normality distribution, confirming its robustness. This validated model serves as a guide for student character development, particularly in the teaching and learning process. It underscores the crucial role of teachers in fostering student leadership values such as decision making, valuing others, maintaining optimism, and practicing ethical communication on social media. Additionally, this model has the potential for global application across various educational settings beyond FRS schools. Future research is recommended to explore the model’s applicability in different school environments, integrate qualitative approaches such as interviews and case studies, and provide deeper insights into the development and real world application of SLS.