How Do You View Knowledge and the Learning Process?

Would you say we create knowledge or does it already exist and we merely discover it? How does the difference between these viewpoints affect the learning process and why does it matter, or does it?

Imagine that knowledge is at the apex of a pyramid. Standing below it is an instructor or teacher, and below him or her, at the base of the pyramid, are learners. In this model, the instructor is all knowing; he or she filters knowledge based on self-world view to the students, who sit at the foot of knowledge, waiting to be enlightened. These learners do not interact directly with knowledge, nor do they even necessarily interact with the teacher. Instead, they passively receive knowledge through the instructor and may be expected to recite or regurgitate that knowledge to demonstrate their understanding of it. In this model, the instructor is the subject-matter expert.

Now consider a second model in which knowledge is at the center of a circle and all around it at the same level are learners. They can interact directly with knowledge; there’s no filter to impede them. They get to decide what to think of knowledge, and they bring their previous experience and biases to the circle in which they sit, which affect their perception of and interaction with knowledge. Just outside this circle of students is the facilitator, whose job it is to help learners make sense of knowledge by questioning it, reflecting on it, and discussing it with each other. To do this well, the facilitator must engage learners and balance numerous factors, including expectations from the organization that he or she represents.

Which of these models is better? You could argue for either one depending on whether you think knowledge is created or whether it exists and we merely discover it. The point is to look inside yourself and understand which perspective you are coming from when you teach or facilitate, as it will affect the way your learners receive and interact with knowledge.

Additionally, how do you respond as an instructor when you are stressed or under pressure? In many cases, we revert back to the way we learned, mimicking what we are most comfortable with. Which model is that for you? Knowing your tendencies will help create awareness about how you facilitate and empower you to make conscious decisions about how to improve.