Fill in the Blank

I recently read "A Word for Learning," the fifth chapter in the book The Children's Machine (Papert, 1993). I came away from that reading with the idea that if learners talked more about their own "messy mind" (that is their processes of thinking), then other learners might better understand theirown process for learning and perhaps provide some guidance to others who are seeking to understand their processes. Although I haven't done a complete literature review but based on anecdotal evidence and my experience, I tend to agree with Papert's contention that we place more of an emphasis on teaching than on learning. He proposed we use the word mathetics to describe the art of learning. Papert's book suggests that rethinking our concept of learning is one way to reform our schools and our roles as educators (Murphy, 1996). What do you think?

I realize that we live in a global information economy, and I believe we can no longer ignore filling in the blank. Papert would support our finding for ourselves the specific knowledge we need which Murphy stated is a constructionist notion. If we're to be reflective, critical thinkers in this global information economy, we should understand who we are as lifelong learners. So, how do you propose filling in your blank?

References:
Murphy, E. (Fall, 1996). The Children's Machine.
Retrieved March 25, 2006 from http://www.cdli.ca/~elmurphy/emurphy/papert.html

Papert, S. (1993). A word for learning. In The children's machine: Rethinking school in the age of computers (pp. 82-105). New York: BasicBooks.