Roger Johnson


GSLL 6206 (80) Sec. 2


21 January 2012

Possible Learning Practices: A Personal Perspective

            The first thing that came to mind when Dr. Plumb asked the class the question, "what did we know and think about Kwanzaa“? I thought to myself, "why is he asking that question, and what did he expect for an answer”. As the class progressed, I had the understanding that s/he was using the seven learning principles of Kwanzaa, as a point of reference to compare with Etienne Wenger’s publication, Communities of Practice. In the beginning, I struggled with the comparison because I was unable to make a connection between the two. After close examination, I think there is a possible connection, when you use the principles as it relates to community.


            According to the founder of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa was a holiday for African American culture to celebrate its history and existence in America. It would also give people of African descent, the opportunity to identify with a structure based on concepts that were typical of continental Africa. Everything was based on community involvement whereby family and community could share their love and joy. The seven principles of the Nguzo Saba has the community at the centre of all functions. So if one member of the community fails, then it is possible for the whole community to fail. Community is a collective entity and is only as successful as the people who live in it.


            I have only had the opportunity to read a portion of Wenger's book, but I could see where some of his/hers ideas correlating with the principles of Kwanzaa. S/he states that we all belong to communities of practice. So irrespective of our job descriptions, our family situations, or our status in life, I think Wenger is saying that we belong to several communities of practice at any given time. Everything we do and say makes us a part of a community. In other words, no matter what activity we become a part of, we not only become involved in that activity, but we become a part of that activity. Therefore, the impact of any given outcome will affect someone we may never have the opportunity to meet.


            Both authors have community orientated concepts and place community members as being vital assets to their respective communities. However, I think Wenger's, Communities of Practice theory, is strategized to include the world as the community and not a specific group. Karenga, on the other hand, states that he initiated Kwanzaa, to the dedication of the struggles suffered by African American's. During the Civil Right's/Black Panther Movement's, many African American's sacrificed their lives so that the up and coming generations could enjoy a more peaceful anf prosperous life in America.





            As much as I see the differences in Wenger's and Karenga's concepts, I think their target is to empower the community. What I find most interesting, is that both concepts empower communities from an individual and collective perspective. I see this project as the beginning stages of lifelong learning because I am using the information as it is needed , as opposed to learning what the information means. I did not use my previous points of view, or my educational background to come up with a conclusion, but I used the social constructs of a given situation in order to form a judgment and to have the ability to use this information in my everyday life.