Sometimes we overestimate the value or power of knowledge in certain situations. This happened to me recently. When I was asked to facilitate a team-building session for a group of teachers, I prepared for a two-hour session with content I thought would be helpful.
I thought reflecting on the broader question of what education and schooling mean to us, discussing and sharing our thoughts on the ills that had befallen us in recent times, the extent of polarization among us, and exploring our roots were all important themes that could unite us in finding a common purpose as educators. The operative word here was ‘building’. Building anything requires a foundation, a basis, and a unifying purpose. I was trying to find that purpose.
I was wrong – I was wrong about what some teachers would be relevant content for a team-building session.
The curse of knowledge or the curse of expertise, as some call it, could work against you in many deceptive ways. When I know something, it can be hard to imagine what it would be like not knowing that information. This makes it difficult to share my knowledge because I struggle to understand the other party’s state of mind.
If you are curious, here are some articles you may find helpful in avoiding the ‘curse of knowledge’.
Hassanfushi 