UTILIZING PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS IN DEVELOPING OPTIONAL FORMATS FOR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PROGRAMS.

Abstract

This study focused on a single alternative school program with a strong outdoor component and featuring a theoretical and practical orientation very much concerned with personal relationships. Data were sought regarding this program with the intent of developing possible formats for alternative school programs. The case study approach was employed to gather and report data. It permitted the investigator to observe, interact, and record the multiple phenomena. The Theory of Personal Process was the framework utilized to observe the relationships between student and teacher. This theory was made up of five key words: (1) Contact, (2) Consult, (3) Find, (4) Share, and (5) Accompany. The study detailed the personal school relationships of the students and teacher. The investigator, as participant/observer, was the instructor of each of the five students. The investigator maintained records of interaction with the students. Furthermore, he had access to journals, term papers, and other written materials produced by the students. Each case study was presented as a specific phase of the alternative school. A specific student was described as he interacted with others in that phase of the program. The description of the student's relationship with the teacher was also correlated to the Theory of Personal Process. Optional formats for alternative school programs were developed from the case studies. The program featured the following phases: (1) Orientation, (2) Group, (3) Outdoor Experiences, (4) Classroom, (5) Creativity, and (6) Community. The key to the success of each phase was determined to be the relationship between the teacher and student. This relationship fostered a support basis for the student which, in turn, provided the necessary freedom to learn. The school was not so much an educational unit as it was a social unit, a "family."