Who knew something like jewelry loupes can provide a
different lens and shape thoughts on different aspects of curriculum, learning,
and personal reflection? During this class, we had the opportunity to look at
different objects using a jewelry loupe. Our instructor, Kathryn, lead us
through an exercise known as the “Private Eye – Looking/Thinking by Analogy”.
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| [Loupe & supplies. Source: LM, Jan 25, 2014] |
..:: Through the loupe ::..
First, we used a loupe to examine our hand and palm. What
did I see?
I started looking at the lines that spread across my palm.
Words I used to describe this were: roads, a map, rivers, forks in the road,
endless possibilities, journey, crossing paths, exploration, and adventure.
Each line I followed lead to a different path that leads to a multitude of
other pathways and possibilities. Phrases like, journey is a destination” and
“a unique journey on every palm” popped up in my head during this exercise. The
loupe magnified these pathways [five
times] and helped me focus my view. Analogically speaking, it made me think
about my current situation in terms of the different possible pathways for next
steps in my education and career that I am hesitant but intrigued to explore.
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| [Loupe focusing on a shell. Source: LM, Jan 25, 2014] |
In line with this analogy of pathways and journeys from my
palm, I had a similar analogy for the object that we looked at next. I had
brought in a shell that a good friend of mine gave me from a trip he went to, a
shell (I can’t remember where!). This is
a part of what I wrote in our “free write” after the observations of seeing
this through the loupe:
"Through the loupe, this shell is not a shell to me. It is
multiple pathways – each person has their own pathway leading to the same thing
in the end. That ‘end’ point does not matter because we are all heading in the
same direction in life – it is the journey that counts. There are grooves, dark
spots, and some guck on different parts of the shell that represent life
obstacles and opportunities along the way. These “paths” are so close together
that at any time, we can choose to hop onto the next path, change our life
course, and continue our journey until we feel like we reached a destination."
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| [Source: LM, Jan 25, 2014] |
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| [Source: LM, Jan 25, 2014] |
I love using analogies; sometimes I may be over-thinking it.
But using these loupes to look at an object as simple as a shell, a leaf, a
rock, or anything at all, can provide a different perspective and frame of
mind. It allows you to focus on the miniscule details that we may not glance
twice at. It provides the opportunity to closely observe one aspect of your thoughts
or explore an inquiry that is quite removed from the actual object at hand but
allows exploration in such depth. Oftentimes, we don’t have that opportunity to
stop and focus on something in this way. Interestingly, the little tool (loupe),
along with a wonderful facilitator, can create such a mental adventure.
..:: Dewey and the loupe ::..
This exercise made me think about John Dewey’s piece, “MyPedagogical Creed”, where he brings up his beliefs on the relationship between
education, the student, and the educational process. In particular, he speaks
about the educational process being a result of a student’s psychological and
sociological aspects of learning. He indicates that “…education must begin with
a psychological insight into the child’s capacities, interests, and habits”.
This relates to my analogy on journeys and pathways of the shell. Each
individual has their own pathway, but they may not know what that pathway
entails. Therefore, it is important for educators (whether that is formally
known like a teacher, or informally known like a friend) to foster
opportunities for children to explore and be curious about their own pathway of
learning. It is important for there to be acceptance of uncertainty of what
pathway in learning they are on and for there to be support for those who
decide to change pathways.
Dewey also brought up that schools are a form of community
life and not just a place to learn. I completely agree with this. Schools
present opportunities to foster social connectedness among students,
instructors, administrators, and community members. A student is part of a
larger community. When looking (not literally) at students without the
perspective of a loupe, we may see them as part of a larger picture of
learning. When we focus on the student “with a loupe” we may see that student
and their learning in a whole new light.
..:: Learning with a loupe ::..
I end this post off with a poem that summarizes my
experience:
A shell is a storyteller about pathways and journeys in
life.
A leaf is a platform for choices and decisions.
A string is a river of possibilities.
A palm is a map of your adventure.
Loupes are guides that inspire your curiosity and
creativity.
Let the loupe lure you in life-long learning.
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| [Sketch of the shell. Source: LM, Jan 25, 2014] |
