The Effect of School Closure On
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From ‘Critical Events’ to Consciousness – An Autobiographical Journey by Susan Teed M.Ed. (French Immersion), Simon Fraser University, 1998 B.Ed. (French Immersion), University of Saskatchewan, 1991 B.A. (French), York University, 1990 B.Sc. (Biology), McMaster University, 1989 Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Curriculum Theory and Implementation Program Faculty of Education Susan Teed 2013 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Fall 2013 Approval Name: Susan Teed Degree: Doctor of Philosophy/Education Title of Thesis: From ‘Critical Events’ to Consciousness – An Autobiographical Journey Examining Committee: Chair: Milt McLaren Professor Emeritus David Zandvliet Senior Supervisor Associate Professor Allan MacKinnon Supervisor Associate Professor Philip Balcaen Supervisor Associate Professor Faculty of Education University of British Columbia (Okanagan) Vicki Kelly Internal Examiner Assistant Professor Dawn Sutherland External Examiner Professor Faculty of Education University of Winnipeg Date Defended/Approved: December 03, 2013 ii Partial Copyright Licence iii Ethics Statement iv Abstract This dissertation documents a journey of self-reflection and self-discovery, which ultimately leads to a change in worldview. The purpose of the thesis, therefore, is to provide a process for this journey. Initially, the author uses an autoethnographic approach to understand feelings of confusion and disillusionment with the school system that are sparked once she begins her sojourn as a doctoral student. By applying the metaphor of a map to make sense of her predicament, she identifies and analyzes the key turning points, or critical events, along her path to come to a fuller understanding of herself and her emotions, while paying particular attention to the construction of scientific knowledge, which she learns plays a very important role in the resolution of her internal conflict. She invites the contributions of critical friends who help her realize that, not only do critical events share common elements, they also possess the potential to increase one’s awareness, and hence consciousness. At that moment, she determines that a more in-depth pursuit and examination of her own process is required and therefore feels compelled to abandon the ethnographic aspect of her enquiry. She maintains the thread of self-study, however, as she migrates toward an individualized conception of autobiographical narrative enquiry. She yearns to move beyond the modern science paradigm for answers, and so explores current developments in consciousness studies, as well as Eastern and Indigenous traditions. This motivates her to seek the intersection between spirituality and science, which she feels is lacking from the Newtonian worldview. During her search, she starts to see that her doctoral study fits the parameters of a critical event. It also becomes apparent that by articulating her methodology, her process might even prove helpful for others. She concludes her analysis by proposing that we adopt a perennial philosophy of science, which embraces pluralist perspectives and characterizes what she terms a “Terrestrial worldview.” Keywords: School system; science; consciousness; spirituality; pluralist perspectives; paradigm shift v Dedication For my brother Tom vi Acknowledgements “If it is in the highest good for all of life everywhere.” ~ Australian First Peoples (cited in Morgan, 1995) As reminded by the Australian First Peoples, I offer this dissertation if it is in the highest good for all of life everywhere. I also wish to express my gratitude to Mother Earth and all her inhabitants for their contributions to the success of this thesis. I’d like to acknowledge my Higher Self for inspiring the words that have passed through me and onto these pages. I am deeply grateful for the love and support of my husband, Rob, without whose nourishment and coaching, this endeavour would not be possible. I also want to recognize the editing talents of my brother, Christopher, which have contributed significantly to the quality of this dissertation. Certainly, I would not be where I am today without the wonderful start in life and continued encouragement I receive from my parents, Willard and Marlene Teed. With sincerest thanks, I honour those special Critical Friends in my life who found this project worthy of their time and contribution. Your open hearts and willingness to share were great blessings bestowed upon me. For this, I am eternally grateful. I’d also like to express my appreciation to all those friends who heeded my instructions to refrain from contact while I worked incommunicado for weeks on end. Of course, none of this would have come to fruition without the inspirational guidance of my supervisory team. I am extremely fortunate to have found three amazing men who offered me their wisdom and patience. It is with the utmost gratitude and respect that I recognize David Zandvliet, Allan McKinnon, and Philip Balcaen, whose insight and advice forced me to stretch myself in the most wonderful ways. vii Table of Contents Approval .............................................................................................................................. ii Partial Copyright Licence ................................................................................................... iii Ethics Statement ................................................................................................................ iv Abstract ............................................................................................................................... v Dedication .......................................................................................................................... vi Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................... vii Table of Contents ............................................................................................................. viii List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... xi List of Figures ..................................................................................................................... xi List of Acronyms ................................................................................................................ xi Mapping the Journey ........................................................................................................ xii Chapter 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1 The Person Behind the Voice ............................................................................................. 2 Ignorance is Bliss ................................................................................................................. 3 My Tail-spin .......................................................................................................................... 5 Righting the Ship ............................................................................................................... 10 Finding Meaning Along the Way ...................................................................................... 12 Chapter 2. The Giants on Whose Shoulders I Stand ...................................................... 16 Reviewing the Literature .................................................................................................. 16 Propagating the Mechanistic Worldview ........................................................................ 17 Off Limits! .......................................................................................................................... 25 Indigenous Epistemologies and Ecological Worldviews ................................................ 33 Doctoral Coursework Throws Everything Into Flux ...................................................... 39 Quantum Theory Challenges the Newtonian Worldview .............................................. 45 Crossing the Threshold to Consciousness ....................................................................... 52 Beyond the Brain............................................................................................................... 57 Where Do I End and You Begin? ...................................................................................... 63 What Constitutes Reality? ............................................................................................... 69 Eastern Philosophies Might Hold the Key ....................................................................... 73 viii Chapter 3. Methodology ..................................................................................................78 The Road Less Travelled .................................................................................................. 78 Choosing the Methodology ............................................................................................ 80 Mapping the Journey ....................................................................................................... 83 Sharing My Critical Events ............................................................................................... 85 Stopping to Smell the Castanedan Roses ...................................................................... 88 Changing Direction: Take Two .......................................................................................