Building Peaceful Learning Communities
John van Bladel
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically… Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
-Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century. His vision and the principles for which he stood continue to evolve. As a reflection of the significance of his work, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a national holiday in 1983. In October 2011, The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was dedicated in Washington D.C. He is the only non-President to be honored as such. Community Colleges, often referred to as colleges of opportunity, reflect the spirit of his vision. His guiding principles can be applied in the classroom and the workplace.
His contributions to advancing the cause of human rights, through nonviolent action, resonate deeply with me as does his focus on creating environments and opportunities where people have an equal chance to reach their full potential. Although he applied nonviolent techniques, he did not shy away from conflict. Conflict can be productive when conducted in a life-affirming manner, embracing dialogue that engages and supports us in a collaborative search for the truth. We can construct environments that are safe intellectually, emotionally, and physically in the classroom and the workplace. Creating peaceable classrooms engages students actively, enhances critical thinking, and reduces behavioral issues. Engaged students are more likely to come forward when struggling allowing us to provide assistance.
As both students and educators we bring a great deal to the classroom. Along with our aspirations and knowledge, we bring our vulnerabilities, anxieties, and fears. I am always impressed by how sensitive we are to the reactions of others. Taking risks in a classroom, or any public setting, is difficult for many and some choose to participate minimally if at all. Feeling excluded is often a painful ordeal affecting not only classroom and work performance, but also mental and physical health. Most of us long for acceptance. We want to be included. A safe, inclusive, learning community can provide the freedom to take intellectual risks and become a more engaged learner.
So how do we create student-centered environments which are inclusive, build confidence, and support our educational goals? The works of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mary Rose O’Reilly provide us with some basics to assist in creating the “character” of the classroom. The Civility Guidelines, by P.M. Forni, are a good place to start. Teaching with compassion is another step. Martin Luther King Jr. was an excellent example of the application of compassion, civility, and critical thinking. Mindfulness blends well with this approach, focusing on being fully engaged and listening with the express intent of understanding what each other has to say. Empathy is a strong predictor of positive relationships and a foundation for establishing a strong community. We do not have to share the same views, but we can respect each other as individuals engaged in the process of learning. Perhaps the most challenging component is actually modeling the type of atmosphere we are attempting to create with students and with each other. When I am having a “bad day” or struggling with a class I will often consider what people like Martin Luther King Jr. would do… he would teach with love.