| Summary: |
Much has been written about what is wrong with American Indian education, but too little emphasis has been placed on positive ideas for making education better and more relevant for Native American students. This book aims to fill that gap by providing teachers with practical information and suggestions for working with Native American students. A central focus is cultural differences between White and Native American societies and the effects of those differences on the educational progress and development of Native American students. The first nine chapters, by Hap Gilliland, cover the need for a culturally relevant education; the importance of learning students' backgrounds in culture and experience; the positive aspects of American Indian culture, including courtesy, values, and communication style; cooperative learning; Native American learning styles; promoting self-esteem; inspiring high achievement; discipline through motivation, decision making, and self-control; and involving parents in the classroom. The remaining 13 chapters are: "Social Studies for Native Americans" (Adrian Heidenreich, Jon Reyhner, Hap Gilliland); "Selecting and Producing Valid Material for Reading and Social Studies" (Hap Gilliland); "Developing Reading Skills" (Hap Gilliland); "Teaching Creative Writing to Native Students" (Mick Fedullo); "a Whole Language Approach to the Communication Skills" (Sandra J. Fox, Viola LaFontaine); "Teaching English to the Native American Student" (Rachel Schaffer); "Eliminating Language Barriers: Figurative English for Native Students" (Mick Fedullo); "Teaching the Native Language" (Jon Reyhner); "Science for Native Americans" (Hap Gilliland); "Mathematics for the Native Student" (David M. Davison); "Culture and Communication through Art" (Constance Einfalt); "Incorporating Native American Activities into the Physical Education Program" (Robert W. Grueninger); and "Learning from the History of Indian Education" (Jon Reyhner). Contains references in each chapter, an index, and author profiles. |
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