Collaborative Circles

Collaborative Circles: Friendship Dynamics & Creative Works

Farrell

I found this text to be riveting to read.  I could see my parents in their collaborative circles, the beginnings and endings of circles and friendship groups I've participated in, and the mention of the experiences of others in this type of setting.  The intellectual excitement of these types of circles can often transcend into dramatic emotional tragic comedies where so much has happened that there often can't be any resolution.

I was particularly interested in the discussion of the relationship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.  Their relationship began in a pure academic setting, then an academic study group of personal interest topics, and finally a faith and friendship based group.  Regardless of their differences of opinion initially, their time spent together eventually merged their paths into one blazing trail.  I found it particularly interesting that after Tolkein had showed his text to an old mentor who promptly told him to "drop it" he found this new relationship safe enough to bring up his writing again. (8)  I love how Lewis first acknowledges the accomplishment of the writing, and then gave constructive criticism in a fun and approachable manner. (9)

When two people are willing to open up their lives and share their personal identity and worldview a collaborative circle begins to be traced. (9)  As unpopular a topic as Christianity was in their realm, Tokein, a Roman Catholic, was able to discuss, problem solve, and eventually welcome into his own similar faith C.S. Lewis.  As a Christian, I have always found the struggles that Lewis had with his faith reassuring.  A man who so often seems to be so clear about his belief, struggled with many of the same challenges other Christians face.  His eloquent writing can be so reassuring, yet knowing his life's journey, the role of doubt can be just as encouraging as many beautiful words. 

Once this transformational experience occurred, their time together became a place to discuss their beliefs.  This also became a thematic element in both of their writing as they discussed it and then applied the thoughts to their work.  Their ability to encourage each other while still giving critical analysis of the work made the group not only a positive place to feel good, but a positive place to develop great work. (11)

             

A collaborative circle consists of a group of people who share the same occupational goals, hold a common vision, and rely on the same set of assumptions. (12)  A place to discuss, play with ideas, and elaborate inklings of ideas becomes a place where individuals can clarify their professional identify within their profession. (13) 

In the context of our class, "creative work is deviant in that, in form or content, it does not conform to established traditions in a field." (14)  I have often found myself, within the field of teaching, to have conversations where creative and new ideas are expressed that might not be widely accepted, recognized, or thought to conform to the traditional teaching ideas.  Traditionally, creativity has been considered an expression that requires isolation and individuals working alone to create new ideas. (16)  In teaching, working alone only breeds single-mindedness, frustration, and lack of foresight.  Teaching encompasses so many different components that working in a collaborative circle facilitates.  As different teachers collaborate together discussing new ideas, directions, lessons, activities, and paradigm ideas a new vision begins to appear from the team of individuals. (22)  This vision is usually the sum of an equation where the result is greater than the sum of its parts.  One teacher may be visionary in one area, but continue to hold conservative ideas in another area.  As a collaborative circle, each individual can contribute to the vision from their own experiences.