Community Philosophy

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Community-based Research

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This research is founded on the principles and philosophy of community-based research. Traditional Western approaches to educational research typically start with an academic deciding what needs to be studied and how, and then seeking approval from appropriate research sites to conduct the study. Community-based research is different because it begins with exploration with the school to determine a research focus.

 

Community-based researchers:

1. heed the aspirations of the school community itself, 

2. honor the expertise and knowledge of the local stakeholders, and 

3. work in concert to co-create knowledge.  

 

The assumption of community-based research is that all stakeholders to a research study have valuable experiences, knowledge, and contextual understanding that position them to participate in the research. Ensuring the research benefit not only the academic, but the local community, is a fundamental principle of community-based research.

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I came to community-based research eager to learn about how to collaborate with educational stakeholders in a research study.  As someone who grew up and now live in rural Alberta, attended and then taught in rural schools, the idea of working together with the school community aligned with the rural sensibilities of sharing responsibility and collective ownership. Rural communities thrive when everyone takes part. When I started to get to know New Humble Community School, it was soon obvious that this school existed because of the commitment and consolidated effort of many parents and community members. 

Growing Together Community Dinner

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Thanks to a Dialogue Grant from the Kule Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS) at the University of Alberta, we held a community dinner that we called “Growing Together”  on April 22, 2022 at Telford Hall near Calmar, Alberta. Canada. A crowd of parents, teachers, and community members first shared a meal then shared their perspectives and aspirations around these prompts:

 

• In 30 words or less, describe what’s great about the education for students in New Humble Community School.

• What’s unique or special about New Humble Community School compared to other rural schools? 

• What are the top three strengths of the school (what would you want to highlight for others)? 

• Think about your children after they leave NHCS—how are they different than children who have attended other schools? 

• In the future, what contribution would you hope to make to education (other schools) in the Province of Alberta?  

• If you had a magic wand and you could change one thing regarding NHCS, what would that one thing be? 

 

Based on the discussion, a report captured the sentiments of the discussion.  

 

This dinner served to demonstrate a commitment to a community-based approach and the value of school community members’ input.