Knowledge mapping

WHO
WHERE
MATERIAL	Pen, paper, computer
FACILITATOR

Introduction: Every day we consume a lot of information, and that ends up influencing how we act. Often we do so without thinking about it. But we can also choose very actively what we pay attention to.

In a complex world where we need to adapt quickly and there is an overflow of different information, learning is a skill that we need to cultivate differently than is done in a traditional school - we need to become more intentional about what information we pay attention to.

One reason is the cognitive load - it is simply very energy-consuming to try and take in all the information around us.

Although capacity to learn from different sources is a relevant future skill, there are limitations to us doing so: e.g. what we pay attention to and value is shaped by our backgrounds, our education etc. We have biases - like being drawn to details that confirm our beliefs, and noticing flaws in others more easily than in ourselves. We are also exposed to more information we agree with by algorithms used in media, which means that breaking out of our bubble is extra difficult.

Intention

In this task, we aim to become more intentional about the knowledge we consume. How do we choose to use our limited capacity for taking in information, based on who we want to be? In this task, we first examine our own engagement with knowledge and information, mapping out the knowledge we consume and follow. Then, we use this as a starting point to create personal strategies.

How:

1	(15min) Individually: Look back at the last two weeks and try to list/map out all your sources of information and knowledge. Guiding questions: What did you read? Listen to? Watch? Who are the authors of the media you follow? Who do you go to for advice? Who do you willingly learn from? What kind of knowledge sources do you go to online or in books, when you look for information by yourself? What kind of knowledge do you trust and mistrust? Whose teaching do you reject and why? What kind of knowledge do you value most? How is the knowledge you choose to consume influenced by your family and education?
2	(30min) Share insights with a buddy, and help each other to figure out: Are you happy with the kind of knowledge that informs your life? Where are you in a bubble? What perspectives are you missing out on? Is there something you would like to change? Honestly and realistically? Guiding questions: What might you be missing out on understanding if you keep consuming and trusting the same knowledge? if you keep learning from the same sources? Who could you become by changing the knowledge you consume? The people you talk to? Who/what else would you like to listen to more? What kind of knowledge would you like to stop consuming/trusting?