Exploring the Utility of Intentional Relationship Model Principals to Build Relationships within Classroom Communities

This research encompasses analyzing the effects of a self-reflection class assignment with the help of Dr. Justine Faghihifar. The purpose of this research is to unveil the importance of human connection and its impact on classroom community. For an assignment, students were instructed to share a serious topic about their life. Personal stories from all walks of life were shared with the class. The class was then instructed to fill out an anonymous survey that answered questions about the assignment and how it impacted their class experience, relationships between their classmates, and how their outlooks changed. The results of this research were intangible rather than numerical like other research types. Results included a better perspective of how experiences shape a person, gaining friendship and commonality among classmates, and working personal through difficulties. The results also showed a greater sense of empathy toward one another. Classmates who thought they didn't have anything in common with each other became friends. A stronger bond was also built that led to a more helpful attitude toward one another. Students asked for/received help from one another more readily as well. The results of this research reveal the value of developing relationships and understanding each other in the classroom. The act of understanding who someone is gives a person the ability to better interact and connect with them. Human connection and relatability are highly sought after, and what better way to find it than to help someone else find it too.