Consider two ancient approaches to knowledge and learning.

Ancient Greek Concept of Knowledge: Thinking our way into new ways of acting.

• Banking concept approach to knowledge.  The professor “deposits” information into the minds of the students and hopes for good things to come.
• Practices: the academy, information, conferences, books…
• Begins with a body of knowledge and set of skills
• Generally a passive form of learning.  Sit, listen, write, and repeat.
• The equipper is seen as a teacher.
• One-way flow of resources.

Ancient Hebrew Concept of Knowledge: Acting our way into new ways of thinking.

• Problem-posing approach to Knowledge:  The professor begins by posing a problem and helps the students as they formulate perspectives, insights, and solutions.
• Practices: action-reflection, embodiment, mentoring, modeling…
• Begins with problems in real life and work
• Generally an active for of learning.  Initiate, listen, respond, contribute.
• The equipper is seen as a mid-wife.
• Collaborative use of resources.

Let’s have some dialogue on the value of these two approaches!