The Critical Nature of Identity to the Continuation of Knowledge

On thinking further about the importance of role and relationship mentioned in class by Theresa this morning, I had an epiphany. In developing the role of L/T within myself, I am experiencing a role conflict much in the way the C.S. Pierce explained that violated normative laws create a feeling of 'surprise' in the person. This opposition between who I think I am and who I want to be is critical to developing myself into the L/T I want to be. Once I know who I am and who I want to be, I can not only plan how to change, but I also become empowered to change. I think we fail to change because we fail to recognize who we really are, we fail to grasp our real capacity or potential. This is exactly what must develop within the learner if she or he is to be able to assume the L/T role and keep knowledge growing. Therefore, I understand that knowledge is not the only thing being captured in a presentation, but also passion, values, paradigm, etc. We cannot divorce the values from the message (although this is what academics attempt to do all the time). John Robertson made the point that all language bears an interpretive component which is generally overlooked. This interpretive component is the change agent in all communication. Depending on the 'interpretation' of the central message, purpose, values, etc. of the teacher by the learner, change will occur. The scope of the change is directly related to the knowledge framework of the learner. This is a critical relationship to understand. The knowledge framework defines the identity of both the learner and the teacher. That is why Susan is able to suggest that capturing a presentation is synonymous to capturing the individual. The presentation is uniquely part of the learner, just as the capture is uniquely part of the learner.

Everything goes back to identity. Identity is the basis of interpersonal relationships. As such, identity is the foundation of teaching and learning, being each an outgrowth of relationships.