Day 17 – How Does Trust Transform Student Collaboration and Classroom Dynamics?

Creating trust among students transforms the classroom into a brave space for sharing thoughts and ideas.

Hey Fam,?

Thanks for stopping by.

In many classrooms, educators give their students group projects and assignments, hoping they'll "figure out" how to work together.?

However, these assignments often lead to challenges and friction without a foundation of trust between students. Building trust among peers is key for smoother group work and shaping the classroom culture. When students get to know each other, they're more likely to trust each other, leading to more empathetic conversations and a diversity of perspectives.

We must lean into our teaching intelligence (TQ) to find ways to build trust between student peers by creating opportunities early in the semester.

Creating trust among students transforms the classroom into a brave space for sharing thoughts and ideas. This environment allows students to express themselves freely and listen with open hearts. We, as educators, are key in this process, facilitating personal connections through activities like icebreakers and open conversations. As trust builds, students feel more comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and supporting their peers.?

One semester I asked myself, "How do I create an environment where I reduce student group issues and build a brave space where students can speak freely about their ideas?"

In my Hip Hop Culture & New Economy course, I introduced a "B Side" project during the second class of the semester, aiming to dive deeper than the surface-level "introduce yourself" class conversation. In music, the "A Side" of a vinyl album features the hits, while the "B Side" offers more introspective and less-known tracks. Similarly, in most classes, students might only share their "A Side"—names, cities they're from, and their majors.

My goal was to have students explore each other's "B Side"—their aspirations, family life, favorite music, best-loved restaurants, and hobbies.

By pairing students up for this project, I created a unique opportunity for them to share layers of their identities, encouraging connections beyond the classroom's usual bounds. This approach allowed students to discover their commonalities, embrace their differences, and lay a solid foundation of trust. As they shared and listened to each other's presentations at the end of the assignment, the classroom transformed into a space where students felt more comfortable voicing their ideas and supporting one another.

It was a step toward minimizing group challenges by allowing students to see each other's humanity rather than just a body sitting next to them in class.??

Here is what I learned from this experience.

1. Facilitate personal connections early on.

Just as the "B Side" project was introduced in the second class, we should aim to create opportunities for students to connect on a personal level early in the semester. Early bonding can break down barriers and build trust, making collaborative efforts more fluid and effective throughout the course.

2. Go beyond surface-level interactions.

Encourage students to share aspects of their lives that aren't immediately visible, like exploring the "B Side" of a record. It could involve assignments that require students to reveal their interests, challenges, and aspirations.?

Such depth in interaction promotes empathy and understanding, which are fundamental for a dynamic learning environment.

3. Create projects that nurture mutual respect.

The "B Side" project allowed students to learn about each other, find commonalities, and appreciate their differences.?

Design projects that encourage students to work together, recognizing and valuing each other's unique contributions. Mutual respect is key to overcoming group challenges.

4. Encourage a culture of open communication.

By setting a precedent for sharing and listening, the "B Side" project cultivated an environment where students felt safe to express themselves.

Encourage students to share their thoughts and ideas regularly, ensuring they know the classroom is a brave space for dialogue. This can lead to more dynamic discussions and a stronger sense of community among students.

I encourage you to think about creating classrooms where trust is not an afterthought but the foundation of building your classroom culture.?

Craft experiences that allow students to uncover their "B Sides" and to share who they truly are, building connections that transcend the usual superficial classroom interactions. Commit to this practice and watch your classroom grow into a place of genuine connection where every student feels valued and heard.?

Our responsibility is to educate and elevate. We are developing a new generation of thought leaders who must value trust, collaboration, and the diversity of every human story and it begins in our classrooms.

Thanks for your time today. I appreciate you.?

Much Love,

Dr. Jae

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