Decolonizing American Classrooms: Examining Best Practices and Challenges of Teaching Indigenous Learners

• In Event: Supporting Indigenous Education and Centering Anticolonial Frameworks Across Teacher Education

Abstract

The use of education policies that promote a universal one-size fits all curriculum based on Eurocentric views help to maintain racial dominance over Indigenous educations. This study examines best practices and challenges of teaching Indigenous learners form the perspective of Indigenous teachers. Participants were 10 teachers from the Rocky Mountain West. Data were collected qualitatively using open-ended questions and interviews. Data showed four themes: 1). There is a need to decolonize American classrooms, 2.) Reflections on strategies that promote learning of Indigenous students, 3). A lack of understanding or ignoring of indigenous histories. And finally, 4). A call to preparing teachers who address needs of indigenous learners.

Authors

• Lydiah Nganga, University of Wyoming

• John Kambutu, University of Wyoming

• Sergio Maldonado, University of Wyoming