Educational Views of the Native American Community: Utilizing Native Culture to Inform Early Learning Experiences

• In Event: Roundtable Session 53
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Questions Between Culture and Learning

Abstract

Early childhood education has long been substandard in the Native American community. This study provides qualitative evidence about Native American perceptions of education through stories about their schooling experiences with a particular focus on early childhood education. Using interview and survey data, this study attempted to understand practices that did and did not work by examining the early educational experiences of Native American tribal members from one tribe in California. This study was designed to provide insight into the unique needs of this population to better understand how to support Native American students and to understand how the use of alternative methods of education such as Montessori may provide instruction that is more aligned with Native culture and traditions.

Authors

• Carine Wynant, Saint Mary's College of California

• Ani C. Moughamian, Saint Mary's College