ENGAGE
Cultural Connections
Traditional Native knowledge is often described as holistic. For this reason, this course is designed to focus on how the strengths of both ways of knowing can be used to create a stronger unity between the two; by finding connections between reductionistic Western science and holistic Native ways of knowing.
It Takes a Village
It's been said, it takes a village to raise a child. Teachers are being called upon more often to assist students to make relevant connections between what they learn in school and how it applies to their own lives, particularly among indigenous students who may struggle to reconcile the different, and sometimes discordant, worlds in which they live.
It makes good sense that teachers should develop strategies to help students make important life and career connections. After all, the time students spend with teachers is time they used to spend with their family and others learning in more traditional, unstructured, holistic ways.
It Takes a Village
It's been said, it takes a village to raise a child. Teachers are being called upon more often to assist students to make relevant connections between what they learn in school and how it applies to their own lives, particularly among indigenous students who may struggle to reconcile the different, and sometimes discordant, worlds in which they live.
It makes good sense that teachers should develop strategies to help students make important life and career connections. After all, the time students spend with teachers is time they used to spend with their family and others learning in more traditional, unstructured, holistic ways.
Scientific Connections
Most of us learned the natural sciences not as an integrated, holistic study, but as separate courses with little connection to other disciplines; Biology, physics, chemistry, geology, etc., are typically taught separately in differing order to different ages.
Most of us learned the natural sciences not as an integrated, holistic study, but as separate courses with little connection to other disciplines; Biology, physics, chemistry, geology, etc., are typically taught separately in differing order to different ages.
Connections to other branches of learning, such as social studies, language arts or other humanities, still remains largely the exception in most schools' curricula. Perhaps it was just understood that over time we'd put the pieces together on our own as we processed the information; or that specific content is learned more effectively as discrete components.
Without attempting to make a case one way or the other for how best to structure learning in our schools, it's safe to say that sequentially ordered, discrete science classes were never intended to be holistic.
EXPLORE
Native Scientists Making Connections
Later in this module we will learn from the Alaska Native Science Commission and the Alaska Federation of Natives that a great deal of thoughtful work has already been accomplished by the Native communities to integrate western scientific knowledge into their cultures.
One of the most powerful ways in which the integration of diverse worlds can be seen is in the lives of indigenous people taking on the mantle of modern sciences while also embracing their traditional ways.
Teachers often choose their career for noble reasons--to make a positive difference in the lives of students. The same is true for Iñupiaq science teacher, Dustin Madden. Madden's decision to become a science teacher in Alaska creates a powerful example of the advantages and strengths of knowing both ways.
Watch this TD video:
One of the most powerful ways in which the integration of diverse worlds can be seen is in the lives of indigenous people taking on the mantle of modern sciences while also embracing their traditional ways.
Teachers often choose their career for noble reasons--to make a positive difference in the lives of students. The same is true for Iñupiaq science teacher, Dustin Madden. Madden's decision to become a science teacher in Alaska creates a powerful example of the advantages and strengths of knowing both ways.
Watch this TD video:
Helpful Hint: Consider the merits of a Native Science Fair. For more information and great resources, go to Alaska Native Ways of Knowing.
EXPLAIN
- How do you think students may regard the importance of education or science careers as a result of teachers like Dustin Madden?
- How can non-indigenous and indigenous teachers help students to value both ways?
EXTEND
Consider the community or larger region where you live and teach.
- How can/do you use the human and cultural resources in your community to provide learning and/or career opportunities for your students?
EVALUATE
- What is your perspective on the role of teachers in assisting students to make connections between science in the classroom and the larger world outside.
