Cultivating the Educational Field: An Exploration of Indigenous Teachers’ Conscientization Experiences in Taiwan

• In Event: Empowered Praxis: Centering Teacher Agency, Identities, and Knowledges

Abstract

Despite the intersection of critical pedagogy with fields such as feminism and critical race theory has amplified some marginalized voices, Indigenous perspectives are still largely absent in critiques of the political dimensions of ongoing educational oppression. Given that Indigenous teachers play a vital role in transforming this landscape, it is crucial to examine their real-life, situated conscientizing experiences. This multiple-case study, employing interviews and document analysis, aims to explore how Indigenous teachers develop critical awareness and engage in transformation praxis. Preliminary findings show that cultural incongruities in participant’s lives act as catalysts for critical awakening. Furthermore, a site of praxis for participant to be in solitude within community and to practice dialogue within oneself sustain conscientization over time.

Authors

• Liang-Yu Ong, National Taiwan Normal University

• Hsiao-Lan Chen, National Taiwan Normal University