ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Rhizomatic learning

Alright kiddo, let me try to explain to you what rhizomatic learning is. So, imagine you have a plant in your garden, like a strawberry plant. What you see on the surface is the leaves, branches, and strawberries. But what you don't see is that under the ground, there are roots that go in every direction to get the nutrients they need to grow.

Now, let's apply this concept to learning. Rhizomatic learning is a way of learning that is like the roots of the plant. Instead of following a traditional path or a specific curriculum, you explore different topics and ideas in many different directions. You learn by making connections between different things, just like the roots of the plant expand in different areas to gather the necessary nutrients.

Here's an example. Let's say you want to learn about space. Instead of just reading a textbook, rhizomatic learning might involve exploring different topics related to space, such as history, physics, mythology, or astronomy. You might read a book about the stars, watch a documentary about the moon landing, listen to a podcast about black holes, or even interview an astronaut. By following your interests and making connections between different things, you can create a unique learning experience that is meaningful to you.

So, rhizomatic learning is about exploring ideas and making connections in a flexible and organic way, just like the roots of a plant. It's a way of learning that's not just about memorizing facts or following a set curriculum, but about discovering new things and creating your own path.