Linear learning looks like straight lines of thought branching out from each other like the limbs of a tree.

Non-linear learning is like a bamboo shoot proliferating in all directions.

What is this called?

Rhizomatic Thinking.

@Executive__Zen

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1/ Here's the short definition:

* A methodology for net-enabled education. Learning is most effective when it allows for reaction to evolving circumstances, preserving lines of flight that allow a fluid and continually evolving redefinition of the task at hand. *

2/ The learning community is the curriculum. The learning objectives are determined by current events.

It is how you learn in life outside of school.

Most learning is built around a predetermined curriculum. You will learn a specific set of things. There will be no adjustments.

3/ Rhizomatic learning occurs while you are learning from a curriculum. But not the curriculum itself.

It is the adaptation to unexpected challenges that must be won to achieve that set objective. Like social skills.

But we don't measure this kind of Rhizomatic learning.

4/ We measure based on results towards the objective.

Which discounts much of the time spent getting there.

Discounting discourages reflection and hinders solidifying non-obvious lessons.

So learning is held back by the linear thinking * you must do X to learn Y. *

5/ Reframing it to * While doing X to learn Y I also learned..ABC * adds weight and credibility to ALL things learned along the way.

This type of perception is mindfulness.

Being present and mindful makes it possible to learn from all sources without tunnel vision.

6/ Because you are constantly subverting your ego.

Purely objective focused learning may play into your ego's desires - and can lead to a hollow feeling regardless of the number of accomplishments.

7/ If you want to truly learn and be at peace with where you are by giving yourself credit for what you know - consider a rhizome.

And apply it using a 2, 5, or 10 year test asking yourself what you have learned over each of those spans.

8/ If you would like to take a deeper dive check out the work of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari - the philosophers who defined the concept.

This is a thinking out loud thread - and I'd like to know your thoughts.

How has your perception of learning evolved over your life?