Friday, October 31, 2014


Carolyn Currin-Holder

EDAC 634

 

 This month of class has been a struggle for me. I’m currently recovering from a major surgery; so I’ve been out of the loop regarding class. I’m desperately trying to catch up and complete assignments.  I’m currently working on the program investigation. This assignment has proven to be a challenge due to the topic I selected. I’ve focused my research on programs that utilize indigenous learning techniques with an emphasis on African culture.

This topic has proven to be difficult to research in regards to program investigating and planning.  Research has revealed few programs utilize indigenous learning techniques and in particular very few programs studied utilize African learning techniques.  The programs I have found via research have focused on indigenous learning techniques being applied to Australian and Taiwan participants.  Additionally, the research has been vague in the actual application of the techniques.

 Another focus of my program investigation research was to examine the effects of indigenous techniques upon math and reading achievement. Very little research has been found with specification to reading and math achievement. Two such studies have been found and again the description of the actual techniques utilized was vague in their application of the techniques used to instruct math.

  I’m learning through my research that indigenous learning technique have strong cultural influences that particular subjects may be better suited to be studied under these techniques. I’m really of the thought that reading could employee indigenous learning techniques to make the material relatable to students. Although my conclusion is such, research hasn’t yield studies where indigenous techniques have been utilized to determine the effects upon achievement in reading.

In conclusion, my research has been interesting but frustrating. I’ve reasoned that my investigation will reflect the research of cultural programs that have utilized indigenous learning but will lack research which has examined the effects of such techniques upon math and reading. Additionally, my program plan will be a program created with little guidance from research; so, I’m apprehensive but excited to put forth my plan.

8 comments:

  1. Carolyn... hope you are on your way to recovery. Learning comes in many forms and in many ways. Once in awhile, it actually causes us to rethink, re-examine, our direction and focus. Although that might be frustrating at that moment, normally great learning occurs and we find that it was well worth the energy.
    Hang in there.
    Darcey

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    1. Once in awhile, it actually causes us to rethink, re-examine, our direction and focus. Although that might be frustrating at that moment, normally great learning occurs and we find that it was well worth the energy.


      --- Totally agree with you, Darcey!

      Bo

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  2. Carolyn,
    Sorry you are having so much trouble with the research. On the up side, it’s obvious that this is a program that hasn’t been done over and over again. Therefore should you decide to pursue establishing a program based on an indigenous learning environment; you would be delving into a virtually untapped market. That sounds like a prime opportunity to me, so I hope that as you continue your research the information becomes easier to access.
    Hope you get to feeling better soon.
    Carol

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    1. Therefore should you decide to pursue establishing a program based on an indigenous learning environment; you would be delving into a virtually untapped market. That sounds like a prime opportunity to me

      ---- Yes, it is!

      Bo

      Delete
  3. Carolyn,

    Wow! Challenges on several fronts. I am glad to see that you are springing back. Your topic sounds difficult yet full of potential reward. I am looking forward to hearing more and hoping for the best outcome on all the challenges before you. Thanks for sharing with us!

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  4. Carolyn, I hope this month proves to be better for you. Glad you are on your way to recovery too. It can be challenging when you are looking for research information and it is hard to find. I wish you the best for the next month and then you can exhale.

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  5. Carolyn,

    I think you can approach to this topic in a different way: instead of searching for the exact programs which utilize African learning techniques, you go back to literature and find out several main points about African learning, such as using dreams, visions, oral modes, taboos, folklore, myths in learning, and then search the programs which use dreams, folklore, myths, etc. in learning. I believe you can find some programs which include these elements. It does not need to be African/cultural related programs, it can be any program in any context which has these elements. Find two programs, and talk with the people who are responsible for these programs and ask them how they conducted these programs in practice.

    I don't think a program which examines the effects of indigenous techniques upon math and reading achievement is a right one for you. You are studying the strategies/ideas of how to apply indigenous learning in practice, not the effect of indigenous learning on math/reading achievement. You can search for a program which apply indigenous learning in learning math/reading if you like.

    Bo


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  6. Please indicate which blogs you commented.

    Bo

    ReplyDelete