Assemblages of Desire in Children's Roadmaking Events

Abstract

The pedagogical approach activated in this study is centred around the concept of the "assemblage of desire" put forth by Deleuze and Guattari (1987). This approach views education as a transformative practice that stages a pedagogical act, shifting the focus from transmitting information to embracing encounters, relationships, innovation, and difference. The roadmaking curriculum event manifests this approach, where a group of children, educators, and a researcher work together towards a shared goal through the force of desire and experimentation. The main protagonists in this event are a small group of 3 to 5-year-old children (Jason, Ella, Jessica, Scott, Brian, Chris, and James) and their educator, Pritti. This study highlights the collaborative nature of a curriculum inquiry, where all participants become co-inquirers, immersed in the experiment, and constantly exploring new problems and connections. Furthermore, this approach recognizes the importance of educators' ethical and political responsibility in viewing education as a transformative practice.