Future Learning Design Podcast cover image

Future Learning Design Podcast

Education as Anaesthetic, Learning Beyond Time and Space - A Conversation with Carl Mika

Jan 19, 2025
Carl Mika, Professor of Māori and Indigenous Philosophies at the University of Canterbury, dives deep into the rich world of Māori learning. He challenges traditional Western notions of education by introducing concepts like wānanga and the significance of non-verbal communication. The discussion highlights how colonial influences affect Māori identity and mental health, advocating for integrated learning experiences. Humor emerges as a vital tool in education, encouraging open dialogue while respecting Indigenous knowledge systems and fostering collaborative approaches.
39:51

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Māori philosophy highlights the importance of wānanga as a holistic state of being, transcending linear notions of knowledge acquisition.
  • The emphasis on interdependence in Māori thought fosters a communal approach to education, contrasting with the individualism prevalent in Western frameworks.

Deep dives

The Complex Nature of Knowing

The concept of knowledge is central to Māori philosophy, yet it carries implications that often go unexamined. This emphasis on knowledge can create a worldview that is reductionist, leading to a disconnect from the holistic understandings of existence. The term 'wānanga' serves as a prime example, where its interpretation involves more than just learning; it encapsulates a reverberation—an interaction with the self and the world that transcends linear concepts of time and space. By viewing wānanga as a state of being rather than mere knowledge acquisition, one can appreciate the deeper, spiritual dimensions of education and learning.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner