The Original Learning Approach Q&A Part 1
If you had to add another chapter to the book, another thread to the loom, what would it be?
This is actually a really fun question to respond to, because originally there were 9 essential threads (long before I started writing the book) as listening was something that I felt should simply be everywhere in all the threads of the Original Learning loom. But then I realised that it was such an essential part of Original Learning that it needed a thread of its own so that I could communicate just how vital I feel the skill of listening is for both teachers and learners.
Also in the early days I was unsure as to whether I should have an interaction thread or a collaboration thread - and ended up with Interaction as I could include collaboration within that. I still really like the word collaboration - and much prefer it over cooperation (even though we do need to cooperate with each other, there is such a more dynamic feel of autonomy and belonging in the word collaboration).
Sometimes I think I should have a care/love/empathy thread, but the joy chapter has a very strong focus on that, because I feel joy is rooted in the trinity of love, well-being and equity; my editor questioned at first how much I brought up love and care in my chapter about joy, but was satisfied with my responses that they should remain. But just like listening (where I assumed that everyone would automatically understand that listening is central to Original Learning and came to realise that if I do not share it as a thread of it’s own then maybe the vital nature of listening to understand (knowledge thread), listening as an act of love (joy, interaction threads), listening to be curious and experiencing wonder, listening to imagine possibilities and solutions, listening as a part of reflection, the time it takes to listen, and listening as risk taking (it means pausing your own agenda and the possibility of transformation)) maybe, then, love and care should have it’s own thread because relationships and a sense of belonging are essential for both learning and play.
I think there is a real possibility that more threads will be added. Because the whole book is about evolving and change and taking steps into the unknown bravely together with others. And as I continue to learn, I continue to evolve as an educator which impacts the way I see and understand The Original Learning Approach.
I don’t want the approach to get stuck and have to defend itself in such a way that it can no longer grow and bloom. The roots need to dig deeper, the trunk grow wider and reliable, and the branches spread reaching out the sky of possibilities.
Original Learning as a tree should also be home for many - the trunk have adequate hollows for ideas to feel safe, the branches secure enough for nests and the tree should flourish enough to feed dreams. As a forest, all our trees can be stronger together, connected, communicating and collaborating.
My book, The Original Learning Approach, is filled with tree and forest metaphors - as the forest has been one of my teachers during this time of writing the book, and ongoing. Maybe trees, the forest, or nature, should be a thread?
This is the first of many shorter posts connected to questions I have been asked about my book.