- Head's Note
Several conversations and situations this week have reminded me about the importance of collaboration. Touted as one of the 4Cs* of 21st century learning and a key ‘soft’ skill employers want, collaboration is deeply rooted in the liberal arts tradition with the end goal of educating free citizens who would work together for the greater good. Yet, it is challenging to be equally concerned for self and others; to promote our own views and encourage others to voice their views.
“Collaboration requires that we suspend judgment and grapple with contradictions and complexity; that we remain open and flexible; that we expand our view of reality and look for a common good and not just our own self-interest.” (Richard K. Allen). Collaboration as a process means that we recognize our common interests and work together to succeed. This is part of developing the dispositions associated with intellectual character and a growth mindset that I have mused on in past notes.
Developing the ability to collaborate takes a lot of practice and our students are given many opportunities across our curriculum and activities. Our teachers structure collaboration in different ways so students can gain an understanding of what it means to listen, learn, empathize, advocate, and synthesize in order to take action. As we shift into a new sports season, I hope students are applying what they experience in class to the court. A key part of our success in sports recently has come from our ability to work as a team. I will not argue with Michael Jordan’s observation that "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." Collaboration takes courage and we provide the culture for it to thrive.
* Critical thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication
- head's note
