ABSTRACT
Teaching and learning are relational experiences, between the teacher and the students, among the students in the class, and between the teacher and students and the course content. Relational teaching makes visible the humanity of the teacher and each individual student, as well as the humanity of the class content, subject matter, and text. The concept of the “community of scholars” requires that “teaching and learning are a personal relation; it is necessary for both the student and the teacher”. With guidance from the program staff, faculty, and student leaders, students organize a multitude of cocurricular programs and service-learning events that introduce ideas, points of view, and in-depth study of a wide range of topics under the broad heading of social justice. All students participate actively in community service-learning activities, typically in teams of MCSP students. They are oriented about entering into a new community and participate in reflection about their experience, with discussion groups, journals, and readings.
