Since I’ve been playing around with an idea but havent really chose my research question, im going to redo this blog, since ive finally found my question. im so behind!! but this is definatley a reflection upon me…stressful.
1.) My research question is: How can education on the Tuscarora Reservation be a model for future Native American students and other ethnically diverse cultures? Education has always been something of irony for me. I liked to learn about all sorts of different subjects, but for the most past I hated how schools were set up. Sitting all day with a teacher looming in front of the classroom, boring lectures, useless testing. And for some reason, powerpoints were the “go to” method. I hated those the most. True, I did learn enough to get myself into college, and I was a straight A student, but I truly felt like I did not learn. I sat there, took the information in and regeratated it. And I only remember parts that my brain allows. When I started college, I slowly was introduced into a new thinking, new ways of learning. Some teachers were the same, but others showed me how to open my mind and think differently. I immediatley knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life; to continue to learn and transfer what I know to those who need this information (just like I needed it) to bring out the best in people. My other interest in life included Native American cultures (cultures, not culture). I always admired their way of life and beliefs. When I learned that some schools are still struggling, I wanted to help. I put these two concepts together and decieded this is what I wanted to do. Its a subject where I have to watch my toes, but nonetheless a subject thats a challenge I want to take on. Tuscarora is one of the reservation schools that is quite successful in teaching students academically and culturally. Thus, I thought an investigation of their education can be a model for other reservations, or even for teachers in public schools who have Native American students. This is my main focus, however, I soon asked myself, “Well why cant these methods be a model for other ethnically diverse students?”. So far, I definatley see how the general idea (not necessarily the specific points) can be applied to other non anglo groups. I will explore this topic a little, but mainly I want to explore how education can be used for Native American students. I am not going into this thinking I will teach them or save them. I like to think its more of guiding them to their paths, whatever they may be. Really, I think they, as peoples, have many things to teach us if we just listen. As much as I will be a teacher, I know I will still be learning. I believe Native American teachings should be valued-their own personal teachings and ones that are universal. I feel that with improved education for Native American students, I will be able to become the teacher I imagine, students will grow stronger, and others will follow suit in improving education for ethnically diverse peoples.
2. I think cultural education is essential to a successful formation of identity…How does cultural education form identity within the classroom? Why is this important?
I think there are certain methods used in a western classroom that are ineffective for Native American students…Which methods are successful or unsuccessful in teaching Native American students?
I think people and the societies they create are constantly changing. Education should correlate with these changes…How has education adapted or not adapted to the changes in society?
I think for Native Americans family and community are highly valued and thus should be an essential part in their education…How is community incorporated in education for Native American students?
I think these successful methods can be applied to other cultural groups…How can these methods be generalized for other ethnic or culutral groups?
3.) There has been much research done on education for Native Americans. However, my angle is how we can use a successful school, like Tuscarora, to promote improvement for other schools. I used to want to display the atrocities of Native American history, but I learned that will not improve anything. Action must be taken to have improvement or growth. Im using this certain angle so that I can better learn how to become this sort of teacher. And perhaps for others who wish to take this on. While it is important to know the tragedies, its more important to know how to fix them. I hope to accomplish that with the direction I have taken
4. For methodology, I will be using interviews with teachers and faculty on the reservation. I plan the interviews to be one on one and personal. Unfortunatley, they will have to be over the phone or with skype. I plan to ask questions about their school specifically and education in genreral.
