Staff Guest Post: The Place of Not Knowing

11/13/2017

When asked to reflect on my experience as an intern with All-In, I thought, “Well I don’t really know anything yet!”
This immediately brought to mind one of the teachings of a local Zen school I have spent some time with, which is: “Don’t know.” Here is a short explanation of the concept:
We have this radical teaching …
admitting the truth that we don’t know and go from there.
If we really live that, it changes everything.

Don’t-Know doesn't mean stupid. It means What Is It? Suddenly our eyes are open, we’re vibrating with energy because we wonder,
“What?”… rather than, “Oh yeah, I know that!”
- Empty Gate Zen Center

This place of not knowing seems to me to be very much in alignment with Unconditional Education ideal of Curiosity.
“Since every student, family, teacher and school is unique, sometimes even the tried and true tricks of the trade will fall short. In these instances, Unconditional Education is the process of engaging in relentless CURIOSITY, the willingness to revise previous notions of what a student needs and ingenuity to develop out-of-the box solutions when initial efforts have not produced the desired results.”
This relentless curiosity is certainly an element I try to bring into my work every day, and as an intern, it’s a natural part of my experience.
Practically speaking, there is a lot that I don’t know. Academically, I have hardly scratched the surface of the world of information that will make me the therapist and social worker I want to be. Professionally, I’m at the beginning of this part of my career and most days feel like being on a bike with no training wheels for the first time; wobbly but rewarding. I am continuously learning and developing new skills, and with this I am increasing my confidence and always striving to be better today than yesterday.
That being said, not knowing is an experience I hope to continue to cultivate throughout my career. Not knowing creates space for creativity and compassion and can be a remarkable platform for healing.
I’m grateful to be a part of a program that incorporates this into our work with students. By making the commitment of Unconditional Education to our students, I believe we are also making a commitment to ourselves, which will allow each of us to contribute in the most effective and authentic way possible. I’m proud to be on this team!

Blog post written by:
Brittany Allinger, Clinical Intern

13 Comments

Edify Medchal link

1/20/2025 03:00:59 am

At Edify School Medchal, we embrace the concept of "not knowing" as a powerful catalyst for creativity and growth, as shared in the blog The Place of Not Knowing. In the educational context, this mindset encourages us to remain open to new ideas, challenge preconceived notions, and foster a deeper level of understanding. We encourage our students to approach learning with curiosity, knowing that not every answer comes easily and that the process of exploration is just as valuable as the solution itself.

In our classrooms, we create an environment where students feel empowered to ask questions, explore new perspectives, and engage in critical thinking. By embracing the unknown, we cultivate a learning atmosphere that encourages creativity and innovation, essential for their future success.

At Edify School Medchal, we believe that adopting a mindset of "not knowing" allows both students and educators to grow together, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. This approach prepares our students to thrive in an ever-changing world, equipping them with the skills they need for lifelong success.

Edifyschool link

1/20/2025 03:01:43 am

The idea of "not knowing" presented in the blog The Place of Not Knowing aligns with the values upheld by the Edify Schools Franchise. In our educational philosophy, we recognize that embracing uncertainty fosters creativity, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the world. We encourage both our educators and students to stay curious, ask questions, and challenge their assumptions, which enhances the learning process.

At Edify Schools, we believe that curiosity is key to developing innovative solutions to the challenges students face. By fostering an environment where "not knowing" is seen as an opportunity for growth, we ensure that both teachers and students continuously evolve, learning from each experience. This allows us to create dynamic educational experiences that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each learner.

We are proud to be part of a system that values curiosity and adaptability, both of which are essential for the personal and academic development of our students within the Edify Schools Franchise.

DRSKIDS link

1/20/2025 03:02:34 am

At DRS Kids, the concept of "The Place of Not Knowing" as shared in the blog deeply resonates with our approach to early childhood education. As educators, we embrace the idea of not knowing as an opportunity to grow, explore, and foster a sense of wonder in young learners. Just as the Zen teaching encourages us to remain curious and open, we believe that fostering this mindset in young children is crucial for their developmental journey.

In the early stages of education, it's important to allow children to ask questions, explore new concepts, and learn through curiosity. At DRS Kids, we strive to create an environment where students feel comfortable embracing the unknown, developing problem-solving skills, and engaging in imaginative play. By doing so, we empower them to become lifelong learners, confident in their ability to seek answers and approach challenges with creativity.

Through this commitment to curiosity and exploration, we create a space for our young learners to flourish, building a solid foundation for their future academic and personal growth.

DRSIS link

1/20/2025 03:03:16 am

At DRS International School, we strongly resonate with the idea presented in the blog The Place of Not Knowing. As educators, we often embrace the concept of "not knowing" as a way to foster curiosity, creativity, and growth in both ourselves and our students. Just as the Zen teaching encourages us to embrace uncertainty and ask, "What is it?", we believe in encouraging our students to adopt this mindset of curiosity in their learning journeys.

In the ever-evolving educational landscape, it's essential to remain open to the unknown, to continuously question, and to be open to new ideas. At DRS International School, we foster an environment where both students and educators are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and grow together. This aligns with our commitment to providing a nurturing space where learning is dynamic and students are encouraged to think critically and creatively.

Embracing the idea of "not knowing" helps us remain humble, open-minded, and adaptable. By maintaining curiosity and a willingness to evolve, we ensure that both educators and students can continue to push the boundaries of learning, making education at DRS International School both engaging and transformative.

Nainiv6 link

8/12/2025 05:34:47 am

This is a beautifully reflective post that reminds us of the power of intellectual humility and the importance of "not knowing."
The author's connection of this concept to relentless curiosity is a great reminder that being a lifelong learner is essential for educators.

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