Learning Portfolio Summer 2015 | my-entangled-journey

Summer 2015: What Entangled Learning has taught me so far...

Over the past few months, I've been forced to think critically, to think out-of-the-box, to think about the way that I think. Wrapping one's mind around Entangled Learning is not an easy feat, and I'm always shocked how difficult it can be to reacquaint oneself with the concept after a short intermission from pondering it. Throughout this document, I will provide a reflective portfolio that consolidates and clarifies my experiences with Entangled Learning, ranging from the highest peaks to the lowest troughs I’ve encountered throughout my journey, and the priceless value of these lessons.

A vital point in my EL experience was this summer's Entangled Learning Summit. Not only were the ideas behind EL, such as critical thinking, collaboration, documentation, and reflection, explored more deeply through community discussions about each topic, but the structure and logistics were analyzed and debated in an attempt to mold the best possible model for this particular class. The general Entangled Learning model works as a guideline for communities of all shapes and sizes, regardless of their intended practice. Having our EL Summit function following the process allowed all participants to understand that the powerful theory of deeper learning, collaboration, and reflection are just as significant and beneficial in practice. All sessions during the two-day conference were documented in a Google Drive folder which is still accessible to all members, further proving the importance of reflection.

It was an amazing experience for me as an individual, as I found myself becoming a more passionate, invested learner, and now truly have the drive to instill this fire in others. Furthermore, I believe this was really a shift in the theory of EL, due to the active practice of a successful session, as we were finally given concrete evidence, in our reflections as well as our mutual excitement over our progress, that the concept of EL is effective and meaningful in the "real world." The combination of the atmosphere, or "ba," the willing group members, the planned-out structure, and the topics discussed all culminated in the perfect learning and listening environment. As a diverse group, we quickly became acquainted with one another and ensured the playing field was level for all members, regardless of education level and age. Establishing equality early on allowed for honest and vulnerable discussions about others perspectives and ideas, and it created a sense of community in which everyone felt welcomed. For more information or insight in to this experience, please see the EL Biology Summit folder on Google Drive.

One very important point I've learned, and I believe needs to be stressed, is that you get what you put in to it. Entangled Learning is nothing without people. When you get individuals with different backgrounds, different experiences, different personalities, and different opinions that are willing to collaborate to fulfill the same objective, they establish a practice, and something magical happens. The power of one mind is encouraged or challenged by another, and progress occurs. It is truly demonstrated through Entangled Learning that the sum is greater than its parts. I believe the picture of the colored pencils to the left depicts this concept clearly. While one color is fine and dandy on its own, a solid-colored creation is nowhere near comparable to a masterpiece that results from the blending of many colors, all working towards making something beautiful.

Entangled Learning Concept Map This is a concept map that my community of practice for Supplemental Instruction completed. Entangled Learning was the central focus, and we were able to show how so many great ideas are linked to the processes and theory behind EL.	Entangled Learning within a CoP It's amazing how central the idea of "ba" can be in Entangled Learning! Just rearranging the desks in a circle created a greater sense of community.
Everyone Has a Role In Entangled Learning, every individual has an equal say in how the learning occurs. This person has taken the initiative in the group, and volunteered to be "board writer," while the other individual in the picture is documenting.	CoP Making Progress As seen on the members' faces, everyone is contributing and thinking hard to achieve a common goal. This is their practice.
part of the CoP.jpg This was our first discussion as a Community of Practice at the Entangled Learning Summit. It was during this discussion that I learned how vital a great collaboration can be to the entangled learning process.

Summer 2015: What Entangled Learning has taught me so far...

Entangled Learning Concept Map

This is a concept map that my community of practice for Supplemental Instruction completed. Entangled Learning was the central focus, and we were able to show how so many great ideas are linked to the processes and theory behind EL.

Entangled Learning within a CoP

It's amazing how central the idea of "ba" can be in Entangled Learning! Just rearranging the desks in a circle created a greater sense of community.

Everyone Has a Role

In Entangled Learning, every individual has an equal say in how the learning occurs. This person has taken the initiative in the group, and volunteered to be "board writer," while the other individual in the picture is documenting.

CoP Making Progress

As seen on the members' faces, everyone is contributing and thinking hard to achieve a common goal. This is their practice.

part of the CoP.jpg

This was our first discussion as a Community of Practice at the Entangled Learning Summit. It was during this discussion that I learned how vital a great collaboration can be to the entangled learning process.

My Entangled Journey