Integrating Aboriginal Perspectives into the School Curriculum: Purposes, Possibilities, and Challenges
© 2011
From improved critical thinking to increased self-esteem and school retention, teachers and students have noted many benefits to bringing Aboriginal viewpoints into public school classrooms. In Integrating Aboriginal Perspectives Into the School Curriculum, Yatta Kanu provides the first comprehensive study of how these frameworks can be effectively implemented to maximize Indigenous students' engagement, learning, and academic achievement.
Based on six years of empirical research, Kanu offers insights from youths, instructors, and school administrators, highlighting specific elements that make a difference in achieving positive educational outcomes. Drawing on a wide range of disciplines, from cognitive psychology to civics, her findings are widely applicable across both pedagogical subjects and diverse cultural groups.
Kanu combines theoretical analysis and practical recommendations to emphasize the need for fresh thinking and creative experimentation in developing curricula and policy. Amidst global calls to increase school success for Indigenous students, this work is a timely and valuable addition to the literature on Aboriginal education.
Product Details
- World Rights
- Page Count: 240 pages
- Dimensions: 6.0in x 0.8in x 9.0in
-
Reviews
As a teacher training instructor, I can attest to the long-overdue need for Integrating Aboriginal Perspectives into the School Curriculum. It has arrived at a critical moment as school boards and certification bodies seek input on how to effectively build Aboriginal perspectives into standard teaching practices. Yatta Kanu, a gifted writer, brings knowledge and firsthand experience to this engaging blend of argument, research, and how-to guide. With a logical, easy-to-understand format and end-of-chapter learning resources, Integrating Aboriginal Perspectives into the School Curriculum will be appreciated by educators and teachers-in-training taking up the challenge of integration.
Jean-Paul Restoule, Adult Education and Counselling Psychology, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
A significant resource for teachers, Integrating Aboriginal Perspectives into the School Curriculum extensively explores the challenges and contexts of bringing Aboriginal culture into mainstream public school classrooms. Yatta Kanu's insights into the unique conditions and educational struggles of Aboriginal students in urban environments are specific and cogent.
Michael Marker, Department of Educational Studies, University of British Columbia -
Author Information
Yatta Kanu is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba. -
Table of contents
Acknowledgments
PrefaceChapter 1: Introduction: Integrating Aboriginal perspectives into school curricula: Why does it matter now
Introduction
The call to integrate Aboriginal perspectives
Centrality of cultural mediation in human learning and development
The effort to reconnect Aboriginal education to its cultural roots
Integration for intimate and cultural citizenship
Increasing our knowledge-base in a knowledge society
Raising essential curriculum questions
Organization of the book
To generalize or not to generalize
On the use of terminology
Summary
Questions for discussion
References/Recommended readingsChapter 2: Understanding the integration of Aboriginal perspectives through theory
Introduction
Role of theory in understanding phenomena
Theoretical frameworks for understanding minority school performance
----Socio-cultural theories of learning and cognition
----Macro-structural theories/explanations
----Racism, anti-racism, and critical race theories
Summary
Questions for discussion
References/Recommended readingsChapter 3: Cultural mediators of Aboriginal student learning in the formal school system
Introduction
Investigating the influence of culture on Aboriginal student learning through a cultural-historical approach
Research methods/ procedures
Aboriginal students identify cultural mediators of their learning
Related themes
Theme 1: Indigenous approaches to learning
----Learning through stories and anecdotes
----Learning by observing and emulating
----Community support encourages learning
----Learning through scaffolding
----Learning through visual sensory modalities
Theme 2: Effective oral interaction enhances learning
Theme3: Concepts of self mediate learning
Theme4: Relevant Curriculum increases learning
Theme 5: Teacher's interpersonal style matters
Summary
Concluding remark
Questions for discussion
References/Recommended readingsChapter 4: Integrating Aboriginal perspectives into the school curriculum: Layering at five levels of classroom practice
Introduction
Defining 'Aboriginal perspectives': The challenge of definition
Guiding principles for integrating Aboriginal perspectives
The context of integration
Integrating Aboriginal perspectives: Layering at five levels of practice
----Integrating at the level of student learning outcomes
----Integrating at the level of content/learning resources
----Integrating at the level of instructional methods/strategies
----Integrating at the level of assessment methods/strategies
----Integration as a philosophical underpinning of the curriculum
Summary
Questions for discussion
References/Recommended readingsChapter 5: Aboriginal school success through integration? Learning opportunities and Challenges
Introduction
Documenting the impact of integration: Methods and procedures
Results: Impact of integration:
----Impact on academic achievement
----Impact on school retention
----Impact on class attendance/regularity
Challenges
Concluding remark
Summary
Questions for discussion
References/Recommended readingsChapter 6: Critical elements of instruction influencing Aboriginal school success
Introduction
Teacher's sense of efficacy
Teacher capacity
Culturally compatible teaching and assessment methods
Targeting Aboriginal content and resources
A nurturing learning environment
Summary and caveat
Questions for discussion
References/Recommended readings
Appendix AChapter 7: Teachers' perceptions of the integration of Aboriginal perspectives
Introduction
Centrality of the teacher to curriculum change
Investigating teachers' perceptions: Methods and procedures
Teachers' perceptions:
----Teachers' beliefs about integration
----How teachers understand and approach integration
----What teachers perceive as challenges/impediments
----Facilitators of integration
Summary
Concluding remark
Questions for discussion
References/Recommended readingsChapter 8: A way forward: Lessons in implementation
Introduction
On the need for a reconceptualized theory of curriculum
----Curriculum as curere
----Curriculum as spiritual journey/transcendence
----Curriculum as conversation
----Curriculum as community
Teachers and teacher education programs
What schools should do
How the Aboriginal community can help
The need for systemic reform
Summary
Questions for discussion
References/recommended readings
-
Subjects and Courses
