When we think of learning, we often think in terms of school and formal learning. However, the concept of learning is far broader and involves not only formal but also informal learning, learning that takes place in the community, learning that takes place online, and learning that takes place through our interaction with each other. In other words, critical reflection and learning are continuously taking place in a variety of settings, especially when learners set out to investigate what they have gained from specific information in particular events and situations.

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Over the past few months, I have had reason to ponder this question: Can science save us?  To answer this question, I have drawn on COVID-19 and Climate Change as case studies. I have wondered why with all the scientific knowledge we have, the COVID-19 virus had to hit us so hard. Some more so than others, with close relatives and friends dying in such large numbers because of it. 

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“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  from his Birmingham jail cell, April 16, 1963.”

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One of the misconceptions we have about our freedom is that we have an unlimited amount of it, freedom with no boundaries to do whatever we want.  The truth is, we can only experience our freedom within the context of boundaries.  This is a useful lesson for us all to learn, and it is even more important and useful for students. Regardless of their level, students need to realize that without boundaries there would be chaos.  Some of the boundaries that students need to consider include recognizing rules governing school, recognizing the boundaries around other people’s space, and paying attention to relationship boundaries.

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