From the desk of Brian Nelson, Academic Dean:

I recently received a professional journal highlighting a revolutionary new trend in education – fostering relationships.  This struck me as odd.  Relationships are revolutionary?  As you probably guessed, this was a bit humorous to me.  Relationships are not new at Brook Hill; in fact, they are woven into the very foundation of our mission.  Brook Hill is in the business of relationships.

At this point, you might be thinking, “Why is the Dean of Academics advocating relationships?  Shouldn’t he be focused on learning?”  Interesting question.  Yes, I am concerned about learning; however, learning is not the end goal of the Brook Hill academic program.  Our goal is for our students to be transformed, not just know stuff.  I think Marc Prensky, a writer and speaker in the field of education, said it best when he wrote, “The real goal of education, and of school, is becoming…Learning is nothing but a means of accomplishing that goal, and it is dangerous to confuse the ends with the means.”  You see, he asserts that education should be designed to mold students into people capable of thinking, relating, and accomplishing in whatever area they are passionate.

While Prensky is not writing from a Christian perspective, I believe that his position is applicable in Christian education.  At Brook Hill, our mission is to prepare students for God’s plan in their lives.  It is to help them realize their gifts and potential and equip them for success in the future.  This brings us full circle, Brook Hill’s academic program does not exist to simply coordinate learning.  It is about students becoming what God has created them to become.  This can only happen in the context of the trust and respect of a mentoring relationship between students and teachers.  Brook Hill teachers are experts in their fields; however, they teach at Brook Hill in order to invest in students.  They are not only concerned with grades, but they genuinely care for students as well.

With that said, here’s my three-part challenge to parents to help you and your child focus on and foster academic growth:

1. Use your words and actions to support a positive relationship between your child and his/her teachers. Since these relationships are the foundation of our academic program, it is vital that they are strong.  Resist the urge to criticize teachers and weaken their influence.
2. Instead of asking your student what he/she learned at school each day, focus on what your child is becoming.  Ask yourself:  Is my child growing in his thinking, communicating, and relating?  Is she realizing her gifts and talents?  Is he stretching himself in order to reach his potential?
3. Encourage your child to ask different questions about herself.  Try these suggestions from Prensky:  Who am I becoming? Have I become a better thinker? If so, in what ways? Am I able to do things I couldn’t before? What is important to me and why? Can I relate comfortably to individuals, in teams and in virtual communities? Can I accomplish bigger, more sophisticated projects to add to my portfolio? What kind of person have I had to become to achieve these accomplishments? Can I make the world a better place?

Education at Brook Hill is built on the preparation for much more than college.  We are preparing students for their calling through a rigorous curriculum, authentic learning opportunities, and mentoring relationships with faculty.  It is truly an education to be proud of!