The twin purposes of education are to learn how to think critically and how to relate to humanity. The classroom provides an opportunity for students to learn the social skills need to work well with others: dignity for all, respect for each other, and an honest appreciation of difference are some of these skills. The classroom is also the place where students are academically challenged to think beyond easy answers and preconceived notions to discover what they truly believe about an issue. Research skills allow a student to learn what others before them have discovered and to place their own ideas into the wider context.

Community college students need to learn a wide ranging academic and social base of skills that will give them a solid background for their future lives. In addition to the basic facts and skills of the content areas, students should learn to love the learning process. Far too often, by the time students graduate high school, they have lost the excitement of learning that they had in elementary school. Recapturing that excitement and enthusiasm will go a long way in helping students reach their dreams. Students should be taught to explore their dreams and to consider how their lives will impact society around them. In short, students need to learn the skills and mindset that allows them to become the “good person” in society.

The good person in society is one who works to meet the needs of others around her. She fights against injustice and works for peace in the world. Treating others as she would like to be treated, the good person works to build bridges in the community. The good person pays particular attention to those who have been left in the margins and works to address inequities. A lifelong learner, the good person thinks critically about the world and is engaged in affecting change.

Learning is about forming one’s thoughts in a mindful manner, aware of the wider context in which ideas are places. A successful learner can assimilate new ideas and yet be able to articulate the differences between their position and another’s point of view. One of the most important skills a learner can have is the ability to place themselves into the shoes of another. Learning does not take place in a vacuum, but is formed thorough interaction with others. Group discussions and one-on-one conversations allow ideas to be challenged and formed in a community setting, while still celebrating individual contributions and points of view.

Excellent teaching is that which shows an honest and genuine concern for every student to succeed. Through personal relationships with students, teachers show respect for every learner and model the role of “good person” for the students. Excellent teaching celebrates diversity of opinion and does not prescribe one way of thinking, but allows a space in which students reach their own conclusions. An excellent teacher provides students with access to tools and methods necessary to developing critical thinking skills and provides a safe and helpful atmosphere for students to develop social skills.

As an educator in the humanities, I believe it is my job to train students in critical thinking skills which will prepare them for lifelong learning. I also feel it is very important for our college to produce learners who value the contributions of others and are prepared to make contributions to society themselves. By making connections to students and valuing them as individuals, I hope to place students on a path that allows them to achieve their life goals.