Trust is an essential ingredient in the learning process. Without it, very little can be accomplished in the classroom or within schools. But establishing trust in a community with hundreds of people who are motivated by varying interests and long-term goals presents its challenges. Given all these variables, here are three key qualities I’ve seen establish and strengthen trust within schools:
First, there must be respect between students, faculty, and other members of the community. Respect is generated through fostering and sustaining positive communication, active listening, and displaying empathy even when one’s perspective is not shared.
Second, people within the learning community must place a high value on personal integrity and feel a sense of responsibility for their own actions. In the best instances, this extends beyond people doing what they say they will do to include actions that help or promote the greater good.
Finally, trusting communities all possess a high degree of competence. When people are negligent, trust is eroded. When people are competent, there is greater faith in each other and in the growth of the community as a whole. This naturally leads toward further opportunities for collaboration, which in turn, can build greater trust.
Of course, there are many other characteristics that help to establish trust and build it over time. Having these three qualities serves as a strong foundation for many different kinds of learning when this essential quality is present.
