Relationships

Webster’s New American Dictionary states that a concept is “an idea of something formed by mentally combining all its characteristics or particulars.” I myself have thought a great deal about what explanation I use to define the word concept. I feel that a concept has a lot to do with understanding. What I have realized over these past two weeks in Critical Pedagogy, is that there are an endless amount of definitions of the word concept, all in which are completely correct. Something else I realize about a concept is that it can impel thinking that is broader and deeper. When one grasps a concept, they are able to move forward in more than one direction and interpret things in many different ways. On the other hand, I find the notion of concept to be frustrating. It is hard to comprehend that no matter what you say or think there is always something more specific and interesting to be discussed.

This week I read an article called “Building a Strong Community Partnership.” The concept that I want to focus on here is relationship. The article explains the importance of relationships within the classroom, and the importance of a relationship with the parents, community, and administrators outside of the classroom. This concept of relationship could be explained as a connection, association, or involvement. Or the perception could be more of dependence, alliance, and kinship within a community.

The interesting factor is, no matter which point of view you take, it all relates to the community ideas of Peter Block. Like it states in both the article and the book, it is important for a school community to bridge the gaps between neighbors, businesses, schools, churches, and government. Isolation is the origin to an ineffective community. Without communication and relationships, there is no sense of belonging or camaraderie.

In some instances, parents feel isolated from the teacher and what goes on in the classroom with their children. The relationships that are not built between administrators, staff, parents, and students are also main causes and issues that attribute to a weak community (within a school). On a broader spectrum, the lack of relationship within a district or town through churches, businesses, neighborhoods, and government can really damage the school systems and their place in a community.

Something else that comes from a relationship is comfort. It is an invaluable asset when working together on often contentious issues. Making a one-to-one connection is important to make parents and members of the community feel welcome within a school district. Parents need to be educated about what kind of involvement needs to happen in the classroom. By building a relationship with a teacher, the teacher can better specify what they expect from the student and parent. This parent-teacher relationship should be the same within the administration.

In creating a relationship within a community, one may realize that a sense of understanding is created. New information becomes apparent and exciting for those involved. When this concept is grasped, there will be more of a sense of belonging that could overall, change the relationships and successfulness of a community.