Non-Linear?

During last class one of the ideas discussed was “non-linear” learning. In the discussion we were trying to see how something could be taught in a non-linear way. The idea that all learning is linear is a strong argument. At the time, many of us could not brainstorm a good example of non-linear learning. I think linear learning is just relative to the person who is learning the subject matter. There was an example of teaching someone how to fish. What do you teach first? How to cast, how to reel it in, tie on the lure, or which species are tasty to eat. I don’t think there needs to be a specific order. Who’s to say which should be first? The same goes for teaching students about farming. I believe the students could be taught in a non-linear way. The students could be taught by many different guest speakers from the community. The guest speakers would most likely teach different subject matter, at different academic levels. Examples to be taught could be fertilizers, watering, garden tools, or nutritional value of produce. Some of the topics would overlap, but others would not “lead in” to the next topic. The students would learn “chunks” of information that eventually, overtime, would come together in one concise fluid idea. However, these “chunks” about farming would appear linear to the student. I hope this idea makes sense; I’m a little preoccupied with the puppy I’m dog sitting, dumping my tea all over this laptop.