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Revisited constructs of Knowledge, Information and Learning – Module 3

I feel I might explore this theme over and over again and come to newer insights each time. Since Module 1 my constructs in regard to knowledge, information and learning have radically shifted, and keep molding into new visions which constantly support my journey as a student and a common person.

Looking at my journey since the beginning of this MA to Module 3, I can see my approach to learning has changed and been enriched with greater curiosity, flexibility, and perhaps with deeper wisdom in asking myself the right questions. In this process, I have learnt to let go of my control on my predictions, and expectations about my learning goals and leave room for self-reflection which has enhanced my free independent thinking.

‘Step back from a philosophy of ideas and looking at different narratives’ Mike stated.

Helen said diversity still supposes there is a norm to compare the diverse stream to the main one. If we look at the history which has imposed a truth so far, this is incredibly pertinent. Needless to comment on how a partial narrative about world populations have caused so much suffering in the form of socio-political hierarchies and fomenting ideological groups such as BLM to rise up.

For me diversity is embedded in the lived experiences of each of us, it defines the beauty of each man and woman, their peculiarity and uniqueness. Therefore, rather than talking about searching for equality between different groups and populations, I would rather talk about knowledge exchange. If I am able to see anybody else who is different from me as a resource, and not as a threat, then I am open to listen with an objective, critical mindset and absorb each single detail from a conversation we have. That would be a balanced exchange.

When I read book with a critical eye and the intention to learn, I can see a meaning in things which seem apparently unrelated to what I am looking for.

Delving into phenomenology studies I am getting fascinated by the richness of diversity of individual lived experiences, and their unique way of learning approaches, practices, and knowledge sharing.

I have learnt to detach myself from safe and familiar territories of knowledge to navigate totally different perspectives which not necessarily spouse my ideas and preferences. This approach makes me grow and evolve, as I don’t see my truth or my stance being threatened, but questioned.

This dynamic stability within this process of learning/unlearning has opened more creative pedagogical curricula for my dance students, and given a reassuring possibility of not being right as a therapist when delivering effective (or ineffective) techniques to my clients. Finding stability when there is no guaranteed outcome is the most difficult task a learner can undertake.

The uncertainty of dwelling in questionable places of knowledge has been gradually shaping authorship and independency of my thinking. I am starting to match the dots, understanding why I went through certain processes of reasoning throughout the MAPP programme, and I know this is just another turn of my lifelong learning spiral.

 


Comments

  1. Lorraine Bennett25 February 2022 at 02:03

    Thank you for sharing your experiences Paola. You have certainly had a positive journey - I can read your excitement, and would like to pass on my sincerest congratulations. Your students will only benefit from the richness of your journey, as of course will you.

    For me my study has magnified who I am and who I am not. Who I can be and who I cannot. Who I would like to be and who I would not. It's been a bit eerie, a bit in your face, a bit rude, a bit nasty. I suppose this is all positive in the end? We accept where our heads take us in the end. One thing I had wished for was more time. Life is too full of interruptions and it's more than annoying ...

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  2. Ben Warbis27 February 2022 at 12:03

    Hi Paola,

    It's nice to read your post. From the first few paragraphs, I can glean that you are finding the learning pathways enlightening..

    Your use of the word 'threat' has stood out to me, and I relate to your opinions on absorption of (and openness to) new knowledge for as long as you don't see the other person as a threat to your position and positionality. I think this is a great word to use to describe this outlook.

    From what you write, I sense that the course is changing you!

    Ben.

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