It occurs whenever and wherever the learner interacts with the surrounding environment. Anyone in the community who wants to facilitate learning might be a contributing teacher . This includes aides, volunteers, parents, siblings, peers, mentors in the community, librarians, recreation staff, etc. They all constitute what can be called the teaching community . When a classroom successfully joins with its surrounding community, everyone has the opportunity to learn and to teach.
Most schools do their job better when they are an integral and positive part of the community.
Unfortunately, schools and classrooms often are seen as separate from the community in which they reside. This contributes to a lack of connection between school staff, parents, students, and other community residents and resources. For schools to be seen as an integral part of the community, steps must be taken to create and maintain collaborative partnerships. A good place to start is with community volunteers. Greater volunteerism on the part of parents, peers, and others from the community can break down barriers and helps increase home and community involvement in schools and schooling.