Knowledge Was Power

Knowledge was once The King. Knowledge was power. Teachers were seen as the holders of knowledge. Many still are, but the stakeholders in the education system challenge their knowledge.

Our experiences with the school system, whether as students or in a similar environment, are familiar to us all. However, the education system of indigenous peoples was genuinely unique. Its primary objective was not just learning, but survival.

Members of the clan/tribe/mob gathered, hunted, or searched for food. Indigenous Australians knew which plants provided food, which were medicinal, and which to avoid. Their knowledge was king; it was powerful. No one challenged it. The group depended on a robust knowledge of how to find, manage, and sustain their environment so it would sustain them.

While still crucial, today's knowledge has transitioned from being the ultimate power to a diluted force. One contributing factor to this shift is the sheer volume of knowledge available. It is truly mind-numbing.

We trust that the holders of that knowledge use it competently.

We trust our doctors to get the diagnosis correct.

We trust the dentist to cap that molar.

We trust our teachers to deliver a relevant student-based learning framework.

There are no prizes for guessing the least trustworthy and, therefore, non-acceptable users of knowledge. Check the list here. It’s a couple of years old but still pretty accurate.