What is a Rhizome Learning Model?
The mention of a rhizome learning model is featured in page 9 of the ACI3633 module 3 handbook. This is just a quick post to clarify for my own sake, and for those interested, as to what this is.
To my fascination, the actual word rhizome is a horizontal plant stem, usually found underground in soil, that can produce new shoot and root systems of a new plant. A rhizome is capable of creating new life.
The rhizomatic way of learning allows participants to react to changing and evolving circumstances, opposing the 'traditional' form of learning where certain objectives and goals pre-exist before student or learner participation.
"THE COMMUNITY IS THE CURRICULUM"
Let me know what you think of the rhizome learning model? Is it fair? Is it futuristic? Does it penalise the traditional ways of learning too much? Does it attack the current educational system?
References:
Major, C. (2015). Teaching Online: A Guide to Theory, Research and Practice. JHU Press. p65.
Available at:
https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=_vrVBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA65&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false (Accessed 27th September 2020).
Hi Serina,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link, it was a really helpful piece! I think Rhizome Theory is an exciting new way of learning, in this ever changing world. I feel like we have, possibly, not adapted our education system enough to cope with the growth of Web 2.0. When I watched 'The Social Dilemma', I could not help think that with such crazy advancements in technology, are we really preparing the next generation to cope with this demand, are we even able to cope with it as adults, living through this massive change? I have learnt from this course, the power of Web 2.0, and its endless information that is now available at the click of a button but what I struggle with is being able to focus on a select point. I am finding this frustrating in Module 2, as I still have not been able to pick a specific inquiry focus. Although, I understand that we are using Rhizome Theory and everything is interconnect, it has thrown up this challenge of not being precise enough. I am wondering if you have any thoughts on this? Paul x
Hi Paul. I understand your perspective. Rhizome learning can open too many doors, lead to too many eggs in one basket, almost creating too many possibilities to specialise. I think in order to pick your inquiry focus, choose an area that you GENUINELY want to find out MORE about. There will be a lot of research of literature soon for you, and there is no point in choosing a topic that you do not find compelling, interesting, or worth investigating. Did you attend the writing workshop? Try free-writing for 10 minutes about your passions and interests? Create a mind map from the key points of your free-writing paragraph. Hopefully that will make you feel clearer. Sometimes what you need is to actually not overthink.
DeleteI am working in primary schools as a zero-hour contract supply teacher, and Web2.0 has shaped our education system. Using Netflix to watch animations, using a smart-board instead of a good old fashioned whiteboard, learning nursery rhymes through YouTube. The power of the internet is a good topic, if you are interested in tech, social media influences, etc... The Social Dilemma has somewhat affected my approach to my phone in particular. I try not to turn my phone on for minimum of an hour after I have woken up. Obviously, sometimes I have to check train times, the weather, book something.... but usually my will power works!