Designing for Emergent Learning

Re: Designing for Emergent Learning

by Phillip Rutherford -
Number of replies: 1

Barbara.

Hi. I have been using these concepts for many years now and agree with the author you referred to. I would, however, urge caution, particularly as the author appears to be applying a 'Newtonian Paradigm' - ie, a mechanistic and linear systems approach - to the question. To try and harness complexity and emergence is, by definition, to reduce it to a state of equilibrium, that is, stability which may see the notion of intentional design added to the desired objective but which in reality takes the learning out of the hands of the learner and places it in the hands of the teacher.

Such stable learning environments exist everywhere - except in the sphere of emergent learning.

In reply to Phillip Rutherford

Re: Designing for Emergent Learning

by Barbara Berry -

Hi Phillip, 

Yes, I concur that the newtoninism is clearly a frame for his conceptions of emergence. I simply found it rather interesting that he has gone as far as he has in terms of differentiating different forms/types of emergence. It's wise to be cautious on all accounts : )

cheers, 

Barb