Folk Knowledge: Fundamental for all Knowledge Mediums

First, I began writing this post in the MN airport where I quickly realized that because I was packing while sick and dead tired (thus this late post), I managed to grab 2 pieces of paper that I thought were my salon notes, but really were not. . . On that note, I am feeling a lot better. I will do my best to remember what we discussed in class, but will not use direct quotes from the salon as I don't have those resources. . .

For my post I am focusing on how folk knowledge--especially familial knowledge--is foundational to social solidarity and preservation of knowledge.  Ultimately folk knowledge is necessary for all other forms of knowledge to spread.

Skepticism Drives Progress

Skepticism of developing knowledge institutions, while frustrating for those seeking immediate change, ensures overall improvement in the system. We are continually working towards superior knowledge systems. However, every knowledge institution is flawed and will be until there are perfect humans.

Notes Reflecting on Honors 201 Experience

Unit 1: Folk Knowledge

• Self Directed Learning:
• At the start of the semester, I didn't know what to blog about as there were near limitless possibilities with little structure. I based these posts off of my personal family experience and did little outside research, as it was difficult to connect something so personized. I felt unskilled at blogging and dappled in my family's history in Mexico and my recycling habits. However, my posts didn't feel connected. My self-directed learning improved as the semester went on.
•  Others' blogging:
• It was fascinating to see other's insight into everyday life. I especially appreciated how they managed to connect their personal experiences with history. My peer's posts inspired me to do better.I was impressed with their insights and desire to do extra research: such as Brenda's response post on trumpets.

Preliminary Post for the Salon (speaking of which...I could use a haircut)

This is an un-edited, first thing that comes to mind type post. I tried to include specific examples in order for it to be more useful in our class salon setting. 

Unit 1 – Folk Knowledge

Self-Directed Learning: I started out by examining the ways in which folk knowledge had shaped some of my views (Sweden post). In deciding what I’d research for my next topic, I stuck with something that always interested me, which made for a more interesting post about tribal tattoos. In my quest for self-directed learning, I found the most productive way to do so was to relate topics to things you already enjoy or are passionate about. This led to my comment in the interview assessment about my bike epiphany.

Others’ Blogging: I enjoyed reading the other people talking about their learning from an expert experiences. I also various personalities began to emerge within our group’s blog.

Collaborative Learning: Best experience was this came immediately after my first blog post. Somebody in the group challenged one of the assertions I made in my post. Upon reading the comment, I realized that I didn’t believe a good amount of what I had just posted. The simple challenge of a group member made me realize that I had just been spewing boring stuff to make a necessary post. From then on I began to think more critically about my claims.

Projects/Activities: Teaching as an expert, learning from an expert. Many interesting aspects to these activities. I asserted that there was a tactile part of this experience that can not be imitated by other forms of knowledge transfer (digital, print, or otherwise). I also began a theme that would continue throughout the class when I said…”I don't necessarily think that anything is being lost when Matt develops his own techniques. Rather, the skill of omelet making is being refined and is given a unique personality. Should we mourn the loss of one specific way of making an omelet? I don't think we should, as long as the greater art still exists. We can celebrate variety.”