Quote That!

I chose a quote from the article titled “Weaving Ways Indigenous Ways of Knowing in Classrooms and Schools”:

“Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall coined the phrase “two-eyed seeing” (2009), or Etuaptmumk in his language, for a guiding principle found in Mi’kmaq knowledge. The word Etuaptmumk communicates the idea that most beneficial outcome occurs when we consider multiple perspectives in understanding and exploring ideas. Inherent in the two-eyed seeing approach is a respect for different worldviews and a quest to outline a common ground while remaining cognizant and respectful of the differences”

– (Hatcher, Annamarie, et al, 2009).

The concept of “two-eyed seeing” might sound straightforward at first. After all, wouldn’t most of us have two eyes that are, well, seeing?

I’ve spent the last 5 years living in Korea, where archery is a very popular sport. One of the things that I was surprised to learn while experiencing the sport for the first time was that professionals aim their bow with both eyes open. It feels unnatural at first; your initial reaction is to close one eye and look straight at the bullseye. (Your comfort zone)

There’s a good reason for aiming with two eyes. Using both eyes will deliver much more information to your brain. It can allow you to compensate for depth or changes in the field better and can give you a more accurate sense of distance. With more information, it’s easier to avoid target fixation by not relying on your dominant eye and is more likely to produce consistently accurate results.

If we take that same concept and apply it to the classroom, the benefits become clear. It may seem natural to want to focus solely on one singular goal or classroom materials with one voice, but that’s a one-eyed, target fixated approach.

By opening both eyes in the classroom, we take in more information, some that we may have otherwise missed. We can witness complete development, not just what stands out against a rubric. We see more of the students as a whole, not just the results they produce. It allows us to not only celebrate more successes, but also see more potential issues as they arise, allowing us to be more proactive than responsive in guiding students. The combining of two perspectives, creates an atmosphere with infinite benefits, belonging and inclusivity for all. Two-eyed seeing is a concept that benefits the classroom as a whole, by benefiting anyone who chooses to see more of the world.