Guiffrida and Wiggan

Guiffrida and Wiggan both examine the experience of high achieving black students and attempt to identify school effects that contribute to their academic success. The results both of these studies find based on the testimonies of the black students are very similar. According to their research, the relationship between student and teacher is the most important factor for high academic achievements among African American students. Both studies emphasize the importance of student-centered, caring teachers who practice an engaging pedagogy and take the initiative to support the student beyond the classroom. I too believe that the relationship between student and teacher is crucial for education that focuses not only on academic achievement but also on the development of the student as a person. And this applies to all kinds of students not only African Americans.

It is important to be aware of the fact that, similar to parents, teachers have a huge influence on the development of youth. Therefore, I think it is important that the teacher is encouraged to go beyond “professional boundaries” and to connect with students on a human level that transcends cultural and ethical differences. Although the idea of othermothering takes it a little bit too far, I think if the teacher would be able to develop the kind of care that a mother has for her son education would reach new dimensions. And because the roles of teachers and parents overlap in many ways and they have shared responsibilities it is also important to improve the communication and exchange between them. Ideal would be to increase home-visits by the teacher and parental involvement in the school at the same time.