Carolyn
Currin-Holder
EDAC 634
The material
learned in this class has been informative; but the applicability of the
information has presented more of a struggle. My target population to focus on
is children and youth; so the information is valuable but I’m learning how to
best use it with these groups. Due to this population being the source of my
focus, I selected the topic of indigenous learning for my program
investigation. The text defines
indigenous learning as “learning linked with culture. It refers to processes
and structures people in particular societies have used to learn about their
culture throughout their history”. This topic seems to utilize methodology with
learning that can enhance the student’s knowledge base. In completing the literature review, I
researched several articles with an emphasis upon indigenous learning
techniques and how the effects of utilizing these techniques impact the
achievement gap for African American students.
Additionally, this form of learning keeps the community connected and
interdependent. As I quoted in my literature review, Higgs (2008) writes “the
importance to communality to traditional African life cannot be
overemphasized. This is because
community and belonging to a community of people constitute the very fabric of
traditional African life”. I find this to be of significant importance in this
current age due to the violence and dysfunction within the African American
community. But to apply this concept of indigenous learning in general could be
an effective method of minimizing school violence and increasing learning due
to the communality concept of indigenous learning. I’m excited to move on to
the next phase of the class project, which begins the program investigation. I’m certain he information that will come
forth with additional research and the program investigation will shed more
light upon the topic of indigenous learning.
With class moving into a faster pace of project completion, I will have
to be more efficient with my time. I have an upcoming surgery that will affect
the timeline of the project so being proactive to complete tasks prior to
required dates is an objective of this course. In closing, I’m excited about
indigenous learning. I’m excited about the information that will be learned and
utilized.
Carol -
ReplyDeleteI think you have made a good point, and one that should be obvious, the essence of community is missing for many of the students that we serve. They have had little experience of a support system that is there for the duration. I see students who are reluctant to leave the classroom, because they have found comfort in knowing and being known by their instructors and classmates. They have found safety in the midst of a very unsafe world in which they live. Makes me sad and proud at the same time.
I will keep you in my thoughts as you approach our surgery.
Darcey
Sounds like you have some challenges on many fronts. My daughter had surgery a little over two weeks ago, and I'll have two sons also having surgery before the years end (maybe even one of them later this month). I can relate to the challenges of class and challenges of life in general pressing against what you feel important to developing your skills and understanding of education. I think the topic you have chosen is an awesome one. It is awesome to see your note of excitement in the midst of it all, and your keen understanding of the need for the power of community.
ReplyDeleteAs I quoted in my literature review, Higgs (2008) writes “the importance to communality to traditional African life cannot be overemphasized. This is because community and belonging to a community of people constitute the very fabric of traditional African life”. I find this to be of significant importance in this current age due to the violence and dysfunction within the African American community. But to apply this concept of indigenous learning in general could be an effective method of minimizing school violence and increasing learning due to the communality concept of indigenous learning.
ReplyDelete---- This is an excellent point!
Bo
Carol - I can relate to your comment about the pace of the assignments in this class. Things are moving at a fast pace, and time manangment is essential. I really applaud you efforts in selecting the subject matter you did for this assignment (children/youth). I hope you are feeling better, at least now we are at the end and almost done. Remarks/comments by Gigi Brown
ReplyDelete