Local Knowledge in the 21st Century

Why Not?

Asian University Digital Resource Network

What is Local Knowledge?

• Local Knowledge is a complex set of knowledge systems rooted in the context of a community within a defined territory, collectively owned and shared by the people, and identifies with their way of life. It provides an understanding of the experiences of the people rooted from a common history that generates similar worldviews and appreciation of their immediate, extended and external environments.

What is Local Knowledge?

• These include native theories, beliefs and spirituality, customs and traditions, including practices and local technology, and insights of the elders in the community as well as the significant teaching of folklores which reflects lessons emanating from indigenous myths and legends.

• It is dynamic, evolving, non-discriminatory, and inclusive of the adaptive capacities of people to embrace change including its recognition of the psycho-social function of popular culture of the masses in society.

Early Theorists

Jean Piaget Lev Vygotsky

Connectivism is a hypothesis of learning which emphasizes the role of social and cultural context.  It is a learning theory for the digital age. 

Knowledge Systems as Social Constructions• Components of a Knowledge System

Existence of practice, i.e. technology (What people do)

Body of data and information (What people know)

Theoretical framework (Why people do what they do and

know)* The theoretical framework is critical because

it furnishes knowledge about why the practice/technology works, and thus makes sense of the body of information.

Based on the presentation slides of Dennis Coronel (Ateneo de Davao University)

Operational Analysis of Knowledge Systems

1. Knowledge systems are intentional.

* They are not randomly selected* They are crafted with a purpose2. Knowledge systems are functional.

* They effect something* They bring about an outcome

Based on the presentation slides of Dennis Coronel (Ateneo de Davao University)

Operational Analysis of Knowledge Systems

3. Knowledge systems are never neutral.* They are shaped by the goals of those who constituted it.

4. Knowledge systems are navigated. * Knowledge systems are transitory (because they

are constantly navigated) but are also subjected to fixations (and thus may become remote and irrelevant though still functional)

Based on the presentation slides of Dennis Coronel (Ateneo de Davao University)

WHY IS LOCAL KNOWLEDGE IMPORTANT?

WHY IS LOCAL KNOWLEDGE IMPORTANT?

Local knowledge is a human capital -- the main asset that we invest in our struggle for survival to produce food, provide for shelter, find joy and meaning or achieve mastery of our own lives.

The basic essential component of any country’s knowledge system is its local knowledge.

A country’s ability to build and mobilize knowledge capital is as essential to sustainable development as the availability of physical and financial capital.

Based on the presentation slides of Dennis Coronel (Ateneo de Davao University)

WHY IS LOCAL KNOWLEDGE IMPORTANT?

Identity. Globalization brings a homogenization of cultures and the more dominant ones tend to blur the uniqueness and inherent character of peoples.

Today, many local knowledge systems are at risk of becoming extinct. This is because globally natural environments are rapidly changing, and there are fast-paced economic, political, and cultural changes.

Given the highly complex nature of social problems today, it is important to see local knowledge as one component within a more complex innovation system

Thus, the question really is not Why Local Knowledge?

But, Why Not Local Knowledge?

Local Knowledge in Whole Person Education

• Stemming from a contextual and cultural framework of knowledge, AUDRN views education in a holistic approach that covers the intellectual, spiritual, humane, social and physical development of students. Local knowledge provides students with relevant perspectives in knowing, understanding, and actualizing education.

Integrating LK in Teaching and Learning

• In the midst of a globalized world and people's interconnectedness through virtual reality, local knowledge enables students to analyze and distinguish problems, create and perform solutions, and evaluate and decide what steps to take based on their own situated circumstances.

Learners at the Center

The Learning Pyramid

Differentiated Learning

Mabbalo!Madamu gid nga salamat!

Maraming salamat!

Thank you very much!