Widening the Circle: Culturally Relevant Pedagogy for American Indian Children

Description

Recognising the need for pedagogy that better serves American Indian students, Klug and Whitfield construct a pedagogical model that blends native and non-native worldviews and methodologies. Among the building blocks of this new, culturally relevant education are language-based approaches to literacy development, the use of oral histories to supplement traditional texts, and a re-evaluation of the knowledge base these students need for success. This multicultural education must-read includes case studies, critical thinking questions and comments by indigenous people concerning education. By learning to teach in ways that are culturally congruent, respectful of traditional values and community building rather than assimilating, non-Native American teachers can finally ensure academic success for their students.