Rhizomatic Learning

Rhizomatic learning is a non-linear, networked approach to education inspired by Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of the rhizome. Instead of viewing knowledge as hierarchical or tree-like, it sees learning as an open, interconnected process where students create their own paths and connections. This method promotes flexibility, collaboration, and the recognition that learning is a continuous and evolving journey.

• Rhizomatic learning aligns closely with connectivism, which views knowledge as distributed across a network and emphasizes the significance of relationships and connections in learning (e.g., George Siemens). • Dave Cormier is a key figure in articulating rhizomatic education, encouraging learners to follow non-linear, self-directed paths rather than adhering to predetermined curricula. • The theory draws inspiration from Deleuze and Guattari’s philosophy, proposing that knowledge doesn’t grow hierarchically but rather spreads like a network, much like the structure of a rhizome. • Related ideas include constructivism and social constructivism, as both highlight the importance of learners actively constructing meaning through interaction and collaboration. These perspectives collectively contribute to a vision of learning as a dynamic, ever-evolving process shaped through interconnected experiences.