What are your learnings so far about differing approaches to knowledge?

From a young age, I have been engaged in several approaches to knowledge. I have been enrolled in Montessori schools, Waldorf schools, homeschool as well as traditional education. Thus far, learning through a Liberal Studies perspective has evoked experiences from my past. It has reminded me of the various ways I can go about enriching my mind. As a student, oftentimes I tend to use one particular method for learning, such as memorization or repetition. However, reading about approaches to knowledge opened my mind once more to the infinite ways people can learn and grow. For example, when reading “Land as Pedagogy,” I thought about how I used to learn from my experiences in nature. After reading this article, I began to wonder why I have drifted away from my past learning methods. Subsequently, I started to reassess the beliefs of the school system. I wondered: is it right for students to memorize information instead of learning from stories, experiences, and nature? Moreover, I weaved my thought process to what I am studying in sociology. In class, we are learning about the quality of mind, which refers to the ability to see normal situations as strange. This past month, I have noticed I use my quality of mind more often, especially when regarding Liberal Studies class. Through connecting my various classes, I have realized that knowledge is a dynamic network of interrelated and interconnected parts. All understanding is entwined like a magnificent matrix of ideas.

Which readings have you most effectively engaged with, and in what ways (both text and supplemental)?

One of the first readings that drew me in was “The Wood Wide Web.” It made me think about the vastness of the unknown and how much there is yet to discover in this world. It made me imagine what else there is to learn about trees and nature. During the class we had in the forest, I contemplated the idea discussed in “The Wood Wide Web” all the more and thought about the patterns in nature. For example, the way branches and veins are alike the same way meandering rivers and tree branches are similar and how a spiraling conch resembles a galaxy. I asked myself: if trees are connected through an underground network and the pattern of nature links all life, could humans be connected in some unperceivable way, too? Maybe… “October 5th – Alarm Waves” was another reading that caught my attention immediately, especially because of the narrative writing style. It involved my senses and transported me to a scene suffused with animals and trees. And, again, it took me back to moments in my childhood when I listened to birds sing, the wind blow and the river flow. It also made me reflect upon the impact stories have on people and how it relates to what “Land as Pedagogy” discusses. I arrived at the conclusion that perhaps learning would be easier if we approached teaching through storytelling.

How you are relating to people and conversations in the class?

Talking to my classmates has been incredible, seeing the approaches each person takes to find knowledge fascinates me. Working in a team has been another wonderful journey. Through conversation, I have learned what it is like to experience society as an indigenous woman. Furthermore, I have uncovered the methods people use to thrive as a student and as a person. In class, I attempt to venture out of my comfort zone and find new people to talk to in order to gain alternative perspectives from which to see life and, thus far, I have been successful.

Do you find yourself thinking differently about knowledge in other contexts? in other classes? At work?

For me, knowledge is everywhere. Liberal Studies has shown me how concrete and real this statement is. As a writer, I find inspiration as well as opportunities to learn in nature, coffee shops, parks or at school. In my own time, I find myself searching for ways to enhance my learning while still having fun. For example, reading has been a remarkable way to learn new things. Immersing myself in stories helps me refine my writing, it prompts me to think of new ideas, teaches me new words, and nourishes my mind all while having fun. As I read, I think differently about knowledge and I broaden my nexus of beliefs. Thanks to Liberal Studies class, a great curiosity has been ignited within me, and this curiosity has made me see the world from a fresh perspective. This past month has been a wild ride of discovering, absorbing and understanding. I am looking forward to what the rest of the semester has to offer.