Incremental Learning: Week 2

Our mandala experiments are now in full swing. The thrust of the class is that we read and consume basic ecology and ethnobiology, some it in its fundamental conceptual forms, some as scholarly case studies, and a portion that is written as popular literature. Students are approaching places, mandalas, to make observations as they learn about ecology. Thus, their experiences might appear to be different than those of the expert ethnobiologist or trained ecologist. However, there is something rich in the inductive flavor of these exploratory journeys perhaps forgotten after one becomes “trained,” and it is exciting to watch as a professor. My colleague and friend Porter Swentzell who is of Tewa cultural heritage once told me (and a few other friends) that he wonders if Western science has it backwards. In this tradition we often seek knowledge, and then by showing our expertise, gain respect. He urges that people instead approach places more patiently, putting respect before knowledge. This requires realizing where we are, observing it, and letting our questions arise in the process.

It takes discipline and patience to do what these students are doing, learning through observation, through letting questions arise about trees, insects, plants, soil, detritus, rocks, and water. It seems that a sense of curiosity for natural history does arise from such slow observations. Can ecological and ethnobiological concepts be better articulated and understood when put into play in this manner? The range of questions and topics that students have pondered today leads me to believe that the answer is yes. Students are considering defensive morphological structures (thorns) in mesquite and how these evolved as well as the ecotone between the cross timbers and blackland prairies that make this the mesquite’s home. Predator-prey interactions are of interest from feathered debris on a day that we discussed free-ranging cats on campus. What causes the difference in shape between blackjack oak and post oak leaves, and are squirrels competing or playing? We are giving up scholarly precision to gain a sense of curious freedom. Knowledge will come.