Smelly Knowledge

If it’s to last, then the getting of knowledge should be, uh, tangible, it should be… smelly.
- Rupert Giles, “I Robot… You Jane,” Buffy the Vampire Slayer

I’ve always had a soft spot for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. As I recently mentioned to someone, if Buffy’s not about human nature, I don’t know what is. I further truly believe that we in the field of education can learn much from this (syndicated) fantastical examination of the psyche.

Through the postings, I will be exploring learning and the processes of education. I tend to be rather reflective and philosophical, while keeping a grip on reality — a delicate dance that I feel is worth undertaking. I further believe, like Giles, that the “getting of knowledge,” the learning process, should be “smelly.” The comfort zones of learners should be challenged a bit, and the process should be fueled by dialogue — which is open by nature — and not necessarily by content — which tends to be closed. That is not to say, of course, that content, or rather a common framework for discussion, is not important.

And with this, I begin.