Native American Education: Challenges and Opportunities [Online Course]

Description

The purpose of this course is to help participants become knowledgeable about some of the inequities associated with Native Americans in education, reflect on stereotypes, implicit biases, and/or beliefs they possess that could impact their teaching, and learn strategies to help them teach Native American students effectively.

Course description: The term culture is often used to explain the many external influences that shape who we are and explain our perspectives in the world.  However, teachers seldom have the opportunity to learn about the multiple lenses representing the huge diversity of cultures that exist within the US and in their classrooms.  This unit will provide a general understanding of multicultural concepts through the lens of the Native American culture and its intersections with STEM.  This understanding will lead to strategies that teachers can use to provide micro-affirmations supporting the diverse cultural experience Native Americans share with us all, as well as the tools and strategies to focus on other demographic populations.

Objectives: After completing this module, you will be able to

• identify achievement and graduation gaps associated with Native American students;
• relate “The Single Story” to your own experiences and teaching;
• identify how traditional Native American values contrast with dominant society values;
• consider the implications of these contrasted values in your classroom environment, pedagogy, and curriculum;
• recognize that indigenous peoples, including Native Americans, have other ways of knowing that can complement the knowledge of traditional formal education;
• describe micromessages and their potential effects on students;
• apply strategies to address inequities; and
• develop a plan to improve your classroom teaching.

Certificate: Upon completion of the module, you will be able to print a certificate of completion to provide to your institution’s human resources office for evidence of continuing education.

Audience: Adults with an interest in better serving Native American students with an eye towards understanding the intersection of diverse cultures and STEM. Educators, Counselors, Advisors, Administrators (NOTE: the theories, principles and strategies are useful for K-12 and post secondary, however many of the examples focus on a secondary setting.)

Length: ~1-2 hours

Contact NAPE  for prices and additional information.
Learn more about NAPE’s professional development services here.

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