There are three parts to the exercise, one asking you to reflect on formal
learning, one asking you to reflect on informal learning, and one asking
you to draw a pictograph of breath and learning/teaching. We learn much
more informally, so you may want to spend more time on that part.
Reflect upon all your learning or teaching experiences. Can you identify
one time at which you felt you truly "breathed in" what was
being taught? Open up a text editor or pull out a piece of paper, and
write about that time. What words would you use to describe that feeling
of learning? What was so special about that instance? If you are a teacher,
how could you create that same experience for your current students?
Move outside of formal education. Again, write about this in a text
editor or on a piece of paper. When do you feel you are truly breathing
in knowledge? Is it when you talk with your children, or when you etch
something out of wood, or when you garden? What sort of knowledge are
you breathing in, and why does that feel like breathing?
Design your own pictograph that is a symbol of learning and/or teaching.
If you find the pictures provided too limiting, feel free to draw on
your own piece of paper.
