E Ho’omau! Improving Science Literacy Through Culture

• In Event: Roundtable Session 84
  In Roundtable Session: Moi: Indigenous Knowledges—Maths and Sciences

Abstract

This paper presents the conceptual bases of a project that is developing a culture-based learning system intended to positively impact academic achievement of Native Hawaiian students. The program is funded by the Native Hawaiian Education Program of the U.S. Department of Education.

The paper addresses the successes and challenges faced in melding an indigenous cultural context with state content standards and research-based principles of literacy development. The formative evaluation of the program documents the use of cultural elements as 1.) motivational components, 2.) sources of content knowledge, and 3.) as the context for learning. The paper contributes to the growing body of research on how to integrate culture and curriculum development.

Authors

• Ormond W. Hammond, Ormond Hammond

• Ellen Miyasato, Pacific Resources for Education and Learning