Indigenous Thinkers

If we were to collaborate and build upon each of our expertise, what would Indian Eduaction look like in our communities?Our homes?Our schools?Our Nation?

What if we use Demmert's frame work of Culture Base Education (CBE). Each of us takes one piece that inspires us to write...

THis Book is one we can edit and revise for ourselves. Let's play with technology and see what we can create online, together. We could also use Demmert's syllabus for framing our story:

1) Recognition and use of Native American (American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian) languages (this may include use bilingually, or as a first or second language).

2) Pedagogy that stresses traditional cultural characteristics, and adult-child interactions as the starting place for one’s education (mores that are currently practiced in the community, and which may differ community to community).

3) Pedagogy in which teaching strategies are congruent with the traditional culture as well as contemporary ways of knowing and learning (opportunities to observe, opportunities to practice, and opportunities to demonstrate skills).

4) Curriculum that is based on traditional culture, which recognizes the importance of Native spirituality, and places the education of young children in a contemporary context (e.g., use and understanding of the visual arts, legends, oral histories, and fundamental beliefs of the community).

5) Strong Native community participation (including parents, elders, other community resources) in educating children and evident in the curriculum, planning, and operation of school/community activities.

6) Knowledge and use of the social and political mores of the community.

1) discussion of individual expectations and experiences regarding the education of Native peoples (American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian).

2) Historical account of educational issues that have faced Native peoples (Americn Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiians) and the difficulties encountered in creating schools that serve them.

3) Contemporary issues facing Native peoples, and the difficulties encountered in creating schools that serve them.

4) The Cultural Climate of the school and the role of the school in supporting the Native language, cultural base of the people served, the context and process from which a curriculum ought to be developed and delivered. Established theories for the Education of Native peoples.

5) Creation of projects that present different theoretical models regarding the education of indigenous peoples and considerations to schools and schooling for Native students.

Borrowed from Learning Theories
Demmert 08/23/2005

The Education of Native Peoples: Educational Theory and Indigenous Populations
( KEd 697a, 3 Semester Credits)

Instructor: William G. Demmert
Classroom Scheduled: Distance Delivery
Phone: 360-650-3032
Audio/Visual Conference: Tuesday 7 – 8 p.m. weekly
Semester: Fall 2005 (Grade A-F)
e-mail address: wm.demmert@wwu.edu