Q&A for How to Be a Good Prefect

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  • Question
    How do I set a good example for the other students?
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events.
    Professional School Counselor
    Expert Answer
    In order to set a good example for students around you, you’d have to demonstrate the type of character that exemplifies compassion, curiosity, awareness and follow-through. I mention these traits because students who are often selected as leaders within the school demonstrate these characteristics. Compassion is a way students connect to other human beings and patiently understand the differences between people while also respecting those differences in a way that does not dehumanize others. Curiosity is a wonderful characteristic that shows educators how students engage with their learning. Curiosity also means students are willing and open to always learning more. Awareness is indicative of social understanding. Students who demonstrate awareness of differences, cultures and the diversity of human beings are more inclined to work with any other student or adult in the school. I think follow-through shows maturity. When selecting student leaders, I want to work with students who can complete tasks or at least communicate with others in a way that completion of tasks and responsibilities is a priority. Students should learn how to identify needs and create solutions to meet those needs, whatever they might be.
  • Question
    What do prefects do?
    Heypeople88
    Community Answer
    Prefects guide other students, help to organize activities and communicate student needs to staff members.
  • Question
    Why would I want to become a prefect?
    Community Answer
    Becoming a prefect has its advantages. Becoming prefect gives you the chance to help others in ways that you couldn't before and if you are a good prefect, people look up to you and want to be like you. You can inspire others into doing amazing things. It's also a good early taste of leadership and the responsibilities accompanying that.
  • Question
    What should I do if I am a prefect but the students don't listen to me?
    Community Answer
    There will always be natural rebellion from students toward authority figures but none more so than to one who is in their own age group and conditions. You will need to impress upon them that you have authority and responsibilities that cannot be ignored and that the consequences for failure to listen are enactment of the rules within your power and/or discretion. After a few non-listeners end up doing detention or whatever else you are able to give, they'll begin to listen. As well, be confident, assertive and willing to tell them off as needed.
  • Question
    If I want to get the respect of the students as a prefect what should I do?
    Community Answer
    A hardworking, disciplined, kind and helpful person will always be able to get the respect of other students around him.
  • Question
    I want to be a prefect but I'm shy. How can I overcome this?
    Community Answer
    If you can improve your relationships with your friends, and keep pushing yourself to reach out to new people, you should be able to combat the shyness.
  • Question
    What if I see two people fighting?
    Community Answer
    The best thing to do is tell a teacher. The reason you shouldn't help separate the fight is because you might end up getting in trouble for getting involved. Also, you could get hurt.
  • Question
    Why is it important to apply for school prefect?
    Community Answer
    It enhances your leadership qualities and helps you become a stronger and a more responsible person. People will see you as a role model, so to meet their expectations, you naturally develop your skills.
  • Question
    What is the best way for a prefect to settle conflicts?
    Community Answer
    Try a countdown from three, loudly. You can even get serious and try to explain how the students are disturbing teachers, classes, etc. and the consequences if they keep it up. They will listen if they understand that there are consequences unfavorable to them.
  • Question
    How could I become a prefect easily?
    Community Answer
    Always complete assignments on time, try to stay out of trouble, help out a teacher/learner in need and get involved in school activities. Once the teachers notice all your hard work and efforts, you'll stand out as a good candidate.
  • Question
    How can I win the hearts of my classmates?
    Community Answer
    Respect and be friendly to your classmates. If they are in any trouble support them, and take an interest in their lives to show them you care.
  • Question
    What should I do if my class is noisy?
    Community Answer
    Involve your classmates in interesting activities that don't require a lot of noise, like a quiet game. You can also educate them on why they shouldn't make so much noise.
  • Question
    What should I do if a teacher tries to over ride my authority as a prefect?
    Community Answer
    As a prefect, you are still a student, and therefore teachers have authority over you. You should respect the teacher's decision, even if you disagree with it.
  • Question
    If I become the game prefect, what will I do for the school?
    Community Answer
    Arrange all of the sport activities, like intra class events. Come up with innovative ways to link sports with other activities. For example sports for charity where you pay to play, and the money collected goes to the charity. Motivation is a key element when it comes to sports, so keep motivating pupils to participate in many sport events.
  • Question
    What are the criteria for being chosen as a prefect?
    Community Answer
    Prefecture are chosen on the basis of discipline, attentiveness in the class, approachability, helpfulness, and academic performance. It's also important to be an innovative and interactive student to be recognized by teachers, and most importantly, you should have good leadership skills.
  • Question
    How do I implement effective punishment if students misbehave continually?
    Community Answer
    If a student misbehaves continually, and you've already spoken with them about their behavior, report the student's misconduct to a teacher or faculty member.
  • Question
    How do I apply to be a prefect?
    Community Answer
    Talk to your school's administration for info.
  • Question
    My daughter is a welfare prefect in her boarding primary school. What is her role and responsibility?
    Community Answer
    A prefect's role is to be a good role model of others, to help others in need, help out teachers and to be a leader. Typically the responsibilities include running events, running assemblies, helping out in the cafeteria, delivering paperwork to other teachers, helping out on school tours and setting a good example to promote the school.
  • Question
    How can I contribute to the success of my school's goals as a prefect?
    Community Answer
    Be a good role model. Help foster an environment of learning and positivity in your school. Help students if they're struggling and encourage students to do well in their classes. As a prefect, you are a student representative of your school, so the way you behave and interact with the students and faculty will play a role in shaping your school's success.
  • Question
    What do you do if one student has fallen down?
    Community Answer
    Ask the student if he is all right. If not, get medical help.
  • Question
    What do you do if there are students who disrespect you, even after you've tried to earn their respect?
    Community Answer
    Try talking to them first. Ask them why they aren't respecting your authority as a prefect and see if you can work through any unresolved issues. If they still continue to disrespect you, talk to a member of the faculty at your school.
  • Question
    What qualities can I bring to the role of a prefect?
    Community Answer
    Honesty, integrity and punctuality. As a prefect, people look up to you, so you should show good example to them.
  • Question
    How can I get the likes and approval of teachers and classmates and become a prefect? How to show leadership?
    Community Answer
    Behave nicely with all the students, including the people who are not friends, even your enemies. Be respectful and helpful to all your teachers. Take up responsibilities even when you are not told to. Ask your teachers if they need your help. Do not break school rules. For tips on leadership, check out wikiHow articles Be a Leader , Develop Leadership Qualities , and Improve Leadership Quality .
  • Question
    A prefect is a role model to other pupils. How would I be one?
    Community Answer
    Lead by example. Be polite and respectful to all, do your best in school, participate in class, and help others whenever you can.
  • Question
    If someone fights me in school, what punishment should I give them?
    Dinosaur122
    Community Answer
    If someone fights you, go tell a teacher immediately. The teacher will likely give out a detention. If you have the authority to, give a warning to the student and don't be afraid to threaten them with a detention. But any kind of physical violence should really be handled by a teacher.
  • Question
    I am a discipline prefect and I hardly know what to say in an impromptu speech. What can I do?
    Zion x
    Community Answer
    Try writing some speeches on random topics, to get a general structure of a speech. Then, write out some different topics and try to use your knowledge and newfound speech structures to answer the question.
  • Question
    I really want to be prefect but I messed up by getting into a fight a year ago. Because of it, I lost hope and will the teachers give me second chance to prove them that I can be a good leader or not?
    CageyCat
    Top Answerer
    Use the fight as your own example of human imperfections, and of humanity's ability to learn from mistakes. Talk about how mistakes can cause "lost hope" and embarrassment. Fear of being forever judged is powerful. Talk about how inspiring leaders make it easy for others to get second chances.
  • Question
    What are five good reasons for becoming a prefect? I am unsure if it's worth the hassle.
    Otterly Badgerific
    Top Answerer
    Here are five good reasons to become a prefect that might help sway your mind in favor of it: 1. You gain good leadership skills that can stand you in good stead lifelong. 2. You get to help others. 3. You hone your teaching and empathy skills through helping others. 4. You learn the importance of being a responsible citizen who cares for the well-being of other people and your home environment. 5. You get to learn how things are managed and run at an early age, which can help your career choices and employment opportunities.
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