For this week’s discussion board, reference all three course materials from week 4 (one reading and 2 vidoes) and answer the four questions below:
- How can we apply Szwed’s and Baker’s definitions of literacy as we study literacies of different cultures?
2. What can we learn about literacy and culture from exploring different cultural perspectives?
3. What did you learn this week about the American Indian and the Alascan Native perspective on literacy?
4. Find another source about this week’s topic and let us know what it is (provide a link, title, etc) and why we should explore it.
49 thoughts on “Discussion Board Post 3”
1) How can we apply Szwed’s and Baker’s definitions of literacy as we study literacies of different cultures?
From Szwed’s and Baker’s definitions of literacy as we study literacies of different cultures , We can apply it by making it known even though we all come from different cultures doesn’t mean we can read or write everyone is equal and we can help everyone out as much as possible no matter where you are from. treat everyone the same. your background or where you come from doesn’t faze or doesn’t define your intelligence or who you are as a person.
2. What can we learn about literacy and culture from exploring different cultural perspectives?
Everyone has different learning perspectives but the most is they want everyone to do well and succeed in life but also feel confident speaking in their language and speaking about anything that relates to them as a person.
3. What did you learn this week about the American Indian and the Alascan Native perspective on literacy?
What I learned is in sierra high school they value native American culture as well as any other cultures but value the most because they want everyone to feel welcome and be able to speak about their culture and background without feeling ashamed so they include everyone so they don’t feel different from everyone else and they want the kids to feel as confident as possible when they share from their culture and educate everyone as well. they want their kids to have a voice.
4. Find another source about this week’s topic and let us know what it is (provide a link, title, etc) and why we should explore it.
This article is related to what our topic is this week and I found it really interesting and empowering because this girl who was in high school made herself know after feeling not heard in her high school in rural montana and how they feel neglected in the school system. and I found it sad how people can make anyone feel that way because we are all equal and should be able to learn the same way everyone else does.
‘I Feel Invisible’: Native Students Languish in Public Schools
https://www.nytimes.com › us › native-american-education
Sweds method is
definitely something we can apply when it comes to different culture. Especially knowing that not everyone will start out knowing how to read or write and we should treat everyone equal because we are all human after all. I feel liked as young adults they should be able to express themselves by speaking their nature language freely especially while in school without being judge or becoming the center of attention. I too especially loved what they are doing at the Sierra high school and showing value towards the native Americans and letting them feel like just because they are different that they too can be successful in life and succeed in education. It’s so unfortunate that a young teenager is feeling that way , if this segregation does not stop she will become part of the bad statistics.
Hi Elecia
I also feel that everyone should be able to speak in their natural language and and really anywhere. I was once sat with a new student who didn’t know a lick of English so I used to respectively try to help her with some translations quietly. The teacher accused me of slipping up on my studies for trying to help (which was not true). Told me I should keep that kind of talk for home but never offered her help. Her mother ended up transfering her. I helped after school once for an ESL program and you’d be surprised how those kids were learning because they were getting the extra help. Thankfully its not always a lost cause it they have caring educators.
I like how you added about sierras high school, i feel like everyone is going to focus on the negative since the whole weeks lesson is sad but its important to show the little representatives that we do have. When we show the positive, more people will start to see how good its doing and want to do it themselves too.
I agree with you that this weeks topics were a bit disheartening. Is could that we have influencial people like Barack and Michelle Obama that can pull weight and bring more resources like the one mentioned in The Atlantic, Generation Indigenous. I like the fact that programs like these help both inside and outside because they really do go hand and hand, we just need more like that. Hopefully in the future there will be a shift.
I like the way you answered question one since I can also relate to it. As an international student it took a lot to learn and convert into another language or culture. Everyone should be treated the same, we are all humans at the end of the day. I agree that everyone should be able to learn from different perspectives while it is English or their native language.
1. I agree that all cultures have different literacies levels; however, we should all have equal educational opportunities, people from different backgrounds shouldn’t be treated different. No one should feel neglected by their teachers or by anyone in the educational system that they look for help from because it can make the person feel voided, unseen, less important, and worthless; by feeling all these things can prevent a student from wanting to succeed in school because they do not have a educational support system. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
I agree with your comment on Native American students wanting to be embraced and want to have a feeling of being felt welcome when they come to school. It is so important to highlight someone’s culture because it puts a smile on their face, and want to learn more in school.
I do love that you mentioned how Native Americans love showing their culture to the kids. Especially after the video of some students not feeling comfortable at school for being Native American. Showing their culture in school definitely boosts up confidence and creates a safe place for Native American students who want to continue school.
I really enjoyed reading your answers and views on this matter. It was also a great article you picked out and I do agree it is saddening to find out how not only one person but most likely many feel the same way as her and feel neglected in the sense when it comes to education in public schools and learning. A lot of public schools aren’t equal across the globe which needs to be changed!
What do you know about the American Indian and Alascan Native cultures?
I don’t really know much about american indians or native cultures I just know they are very different culture wise and they are very traditional and follow their beliefs.
Szwed recommended Ethnographic literacy for studying literacy because it can be widely measured and that we are inheritors. Meaning that we learn better by observing. We can apply Swed’s definition of literacy to different cultures because stated in one of the videos, children learn more by observing. If a Native American observes one of their own kind being successful and striving in life they’d be more motivated to apply that motive to their education. With Elizabeth Baker definition of literacy it is that literacy changes as culture changes and literacy is different for everyone. We can apply baker’s literacy to different cultures by realizing that People in other cultures are humans just like us and they deserve the same level of recognition especially when it comes to learning and to not just assume they don’t want to learn because of the way they look.
What we can learn about literacy and culture from different perspectives is that like everyone, we all want to learn doesn’t matter the color of our skin. We can learn literacy by exploring other peoples’ cultures like for example Native american by seeing what they enjoy doing and by knowing what can keep the youths engaged when it comes to learning. We shouldn’t want to teach them in a separate area as if they are not human because they are and they can adapt while being amongst other cultures and races.
I learn that American Indians aren’t seeing the same growth in enrollment or attainment. That American childrens are often left out of the conversation about closing the “ achievement gap “. They are often faced with insttiutionalized discrimination and if this was not happen it would have helped improved their literary outcome. They sometimes feel dilapted and unsafe which can prevent a child from coming to school to learn anything. The census bureau has not been collecting the demographic data correctly because they do not want their educational system to look bad. For the natives they just want to see other representations of their own kind being successful in life doing what they love and want others to know that they are human and more than natives. Allowing them to express themselves, and embracing their culture can help them boost their confidence to learn and feel like they belong which can eventually lead to their want to graduate and not be a dropout amongst statistics.
Here we have (https://www.ted.com/talks/leila_smith_redefining_indigenous_education) a Ted talk video where the speaker touches base about some valid points about people of different cultural backgrounds and especially the assumptions and doubts they face that lead to negative stereotypes and bias.
I watched the TED talk video, I absolutely love Ted talk videos but this one especially stuck out to me. I completely agree with you about how important it is not to believe those stereotypes of different cultures. Once you dive into cultural stereotype’s i feel like you miss out on so much, you could make amazing friends if you don’t believe in the stereotypes.
I like how you referenced your opinion from a personal aspect . Especially mentioning missing out on a lot and about stereotypes because this is the live we live in sadly. People are always going to have a opinion about you or where you come from unfortunately , our culture or our background will really never define who we are as people .
2. I agree with your statement, “We can learn literacy by exploring other peoples’ cultures”, Learning other cultures by researching their background to become knowledgeable of they beliefs, lifestyle, literacy level etc… People in America lack the knowledge of cultures because they don’t educate themselves, therefore, they may judge certain cultures based on what they’ve heard or from a bad past experience.
I agree with your comment on discrimination throughout the schooling system, and this has a huge impact on Native Americans not wanting to go to school because they feel undervalued and underappreciated. It is important that we use our voice to promote to school administrations that the Native American culture should be embraced and recognized so students can feel welcome to come to school and learn!
1) How can we apply Szwed’s and Baker’s definitions of literacy as we study literacies of different cultures?
We can apply Szwed’s and Baker’s definition of literacy as we study literacies of different cultures when teaching literacy, including the fact that everyone comes from different cultures, so everyone learns differently. When people come from different cultures, we should also include their cultures in literacy so they feel involved and feel like it actually matters if they learn. When you include different cultures in the mix, people of that culture feel included, feel like they matter, and other cultures will learn about the different cultures too.
2. What can we learn about literacy and culture from exploring different cultural perspectives?
If we explore different cultural perspectives we can learn so much about literacy and culture. For example if we explore different cultures we can learn how each culture teaches, and try teaching the kids that way or including some teaching so the students that are from different cultures will want to learn too. In the reading it says “Indigenous children in America sometimes attend separate schools whose pedagogy and curricula are tailored to indigenous worldviews and learning needs.” it shouldn’t be like this, we should be including the different cultures so that they don’t have to go to different schools. When we explore different cultural perspectives, you can learn how alone that culture feels in public schools.
3. What did you learn this week about the American Indian and the Alascan Native perspective on literacy?
This week I learned that American Indians and the Alascan Native perspectives on literacy is that they want to learn but public school teaching makes their culture seem so low. Since public schools make Native Americans seem like thugs, alcoholics, students end up having to change schools whether it’s a private school or Indian-reservation schools. American Indians and the Alascan Natives are feeling left out of the conversations. In the first video it shows that students in literacy just want to feel included, they want representation, which they should be already getting.
4. Find another source about this week’s topic and let us know what it is (provide a link, title, etc) and why we should explore it.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/24398507
This link shows that there was an attempt to close the achievement gap but it still had so many flaws that no one considered, Flaws like poverty, motivation and cultural differences. There’s not only American Indians that need cultural recognition but other cultures too. We should be taking inconsideration to all of these. I think this link is important because it shows an attempt. However we should continue making that attempt to close the achievement gap till we actually close it.
Love how you brought back up the fact on Szweds approach that everyone does learn different especially because they come from different cultural background and it’s important for them to feel included in order to become engage in learning. By exploring other cultures we open our eyes to different approach on what work and what doesn’t. It’s sad that these kids from other culture are being stereotype instead of being provided the fair and just education they truly have a passion for.
“Indigenous children in America sometimes attend separate schools whose pedagogy and curricula are tailored to indigenous worldviews and learning needs.” it shouldn’t be like this, we should be including the different cultures so that they don’t have to go to different schools. When we explore different cultural perspectives, you can learn how alone that culture feels in public schools.
I wrote in my answer the opposite point of view, but perhaps yours is also correct.
i will tell you the truth, I do not have enough knowledge about the psychology and worldview of the Indians, so the idea of specialized schools does not seem so bad to me. I think it depends on how different these kids are. Does it make practical and logical sense to rewrite all curricula for 99% of students just to keep 1% of Indians comfortable and successful in their studies? In this matter, more facts and scientific research are needed to understand which are the best schools for these children.
It is true that the public school system doesn’t help students of different cultures learn when they want to learn and it’s discouraging and not helping them succeed or grow where they need to. Schools are where our future starts and it’s up to teachers to help especially when it comes to basic needs like literacy.
I like the way you explained this. I totally agree. I in a way also believe that children learn more when they observe things. Learning or believing things in a different way of form i think is best, I also believe that color should not affect any of this since what the world has been going through this racial thing. What I personally like as an international student since I also relate is that everyone should be equal no matter the race or color. Great work!
From our definitions of literature, as works of literature from different cultures are being studied, Szwed’s and Baker’s mean that we can apply them by making them known even if we all come from different cultures does not mean that we can all read or write is equal and how we can help everyone anytime possible. Just respect and treat everyone the same. Your background or your ethnic background does not perceive or define your intelligence, or who you are as a person. What we can learn about literacy and culture from many perspectives is that we all want to learn, and we can do so by studying literacy and understanding the many different cultures of the people around us. This week, I realized that American Indians and Alascan indigenous literacy perspectives are that they also want to study but their culture appears to be so poor by state education learning. Because public schools create the impression of Native Americans as criminals, alcoholics, students finally have to change their schools, whether it private or Indian reservation schools and due to that American Indians and Alaskan indigenous people feel left out. Another source I found talking about this week’s topic is from JSTOR called “Reading First, Literacy, and American Indian/Alaska Native Students” (https://jaie.asu.edu/sites/default/files/471_2008_5_reyhner_hurtado.pdf) This article shows that, despite its commendable intentions, NCLB’s approach has significant flaws since it overlooks the role of poverty, motivation, and culture that make a significant contribution to the gap.
1. Szwed and Bakers definitions should be applied to all literacy studies, especially people from different cultures. Many people of different cultures learn differently by observing instead of reading and writing. I also strongly agree with baker definition of literacy that literacy changes and its different for everyone. I strongly believe everyone of different cultures should be valued and have the same level of recognition when it comes to learning.
2. Many cultures are different, and everyone has way of learning literacy. Everyone in different cultures have a curtain way of succeeding in life. At the end of the day, we all want to win in every aspect doesn’t matter skin color, so we all should be treated the same.
3. I learned that American Indian and Alaskan native perspectives in literacy is that they want to learn and accomplish things just like many people in this world. Sometimes in curtain schools they are being left out due to the fact of who they are. I believe this can hurt a child or even a young adult of showing improvements. Also, I believe they should be treated the same, they should be allowed to express themselves and we should embrace their culture more. By embracing their culture will allow them to see more school graduates and better future for most of them.
This article gives a brief background on Native American’s educational history and how they have been affected over the years.
4. https://blog.nativehope.org/the-issues-surrounding-native-american-education#:~:text=Another%20issue%20hindering%20the%20success%20of%20Native%20American,in%20poverty%2C%20early%20childhood%20development%20is%20often%20delayed.
1. How can we apply Szwed’s and Baker’s definitions of literacy as we study literacies of different cultures?
As we study the literacies of different cultures, the definition Szwed’s applied that literacy is the means of finding out what literacy is and what literacy vividly measures. Baker’s perspective of different culture on literacy is that the nature of literacy changes as culture changes. I can apply Swzed and Baker’s definition by studying literacies of different culture. I was interested in learning more about Native Americans students, so, I’ve researched Native Americans in public schools to have a better understanding of Native American culture, what literacy topics interesting to Native American students, the negative activities they’ve experience because of their beliefs and how they motive themselves to keep pushing forward to succeed in school. By researching this information gave me insight on the Native American culture.
2. What can we learn about literacy and culture from exploring different cultural perspectives?
My perspective after exploring literacies of different cultures is that different cultures are far behind in literacy than their peers because the negative discrimination they’ve to encounter in school and the lack of help they’re receiving from their teacher and school mentors. Indigenous people doesn’t have the literacy skills than their peers because Native American students face a lot of difficulties and challenges while being in the standard school system. Often the teaching methods goes against the principle of the Native American values, and that conflict results in poor performance of Native American students in the school. According to the article “The Subtle Evolution of Native American Education”, “Indigenous Children in America sometimes attend separate schools whose pedagogy and curricula are tailored to indigenous world’s views and learning needs.” The US education system neglecting Native American cultural values that created ideological conflict which may led to poor performance from the Native Americans.
3. What did you learn this week about the American Indian and the Alascan Native perspective on literacy?
For this week topic I’ve learned that American Indian and Alaska Native that it’s inequality in public education for Native American, Native Americans have been victims of discrimination. Native Americans are describe as gang members, thieves, drug abusers etc because people in America lack the knowledge of Native American culture and beliefs. Moreover, by Native American students being bullied and judged by teachers and students in their school, they build low self-esteem, feel worthless, and neglected which can result in them losing interest of school and dropping out. American India students are being neglected by the American public system, and as a result, do not have equal educational opportunities such as to college and other scholastic resources. Native American students shouldn’t have to feel neglected or have to attend an all Native American school just to feel welcome.
4. Find another source about this week’s topic and let us know what it is (provide a link, title, etc) and why we should explore it.
The link below is a video about Native American students that graduated in 2020 will excellent grades and will be attending University of Oklahoma. Also, Native Americans embracing their cultures by attending Indian education classes to be educated on their culture.
“2020 Indian Education Students of Excellence at Tulsa Public Schools”
I liked the video that you posted. It is a good example of how success is not based on a national disposition to learn. That it largely depends on social conditions, excellent examples of other people and personal motivation.
I liked the video, the idea of having a program that connects students with Native American culture is very helpful in society and the education system. It is very important to know other people’s backgrounds and cultures in order to succeed and build a healthy educational environment.
Always happy to see inclusion for our Native American students and even better to see their passion for their own culture. The initiative of the youth and the drive they possess to succeed always amazes me. Sometimes students just need a place where they can feel like they’re part of a community.
Hi, it’s nice to see people going back to their roots and embracing their culture. This will help strengthen their community because they serve as role models for other Native Americans. We saw in the videos how Native American students wanted to see people like them who are successful, and this is the way to do it.
The number of indigenous people in the United States is less than 1.6% of the total population of this country. In this connection, the issue of preserving and developing this group of people is very relevant. The issue of education is especially important. But what is literacy for Indians and Alascan Native? What is literacy for them and what is literacy for, for example, me? From the materials of the past three weeks, I realized clearly that these concepts can be completely different in different groups of people. We see confirmation of this theory in the article by Elizabeth Baker’s, in which she gives examples of the study of the concept of literacy among different peoples. We see clearly that what is literacy at one time is no longer relevant and is not a standard for a later time, and also those knowledge and skills that are valuable and literate for one people, alas, are absolutely useless and inapplicable for another people. “A sociocultural perspective examines literacy as an artifact of culture. From this perspective, the nature of literacy changes as culture changes / Researchers in the sociocultural tradition also demonstrate that etic (outsider) perspectives construct literacy differently from emic (insider) perspectives” (15 )
Why am I saying this, you ask? I mean that the statistical lag of the Indians and Alascan Native in the study of literacy may be the reason that historically these peoples have been adapted to other forms of study and knowledge of the world. That some of them find it difficult to adapt to the modern European-American style of education. A simple example: I am a person of visual perception of the World, and what I will perfectly understand and remember seeing, I will not be able to understand well after listening to the information, and perhaps you will decide that I am stupid, but this is only a question of the ways of perception and assimilation of information. Therefore, the idea of John F. Swede when he writes that “we must come to terms with the lives of people without patronizing them” (427)
According to the author, the education of the 19th century led to the standardization of people without taking into account their characteristics of a person, his national characteristics and interests. Education and literacy kind of patronized, imposed and taught a person the standard rules of what he should be able to do and what he shouldn’t. They taught a person what he needs to know and what he does not need, and in what written or oral form he should express it. This is exactly what modern education does to the Indians and Alaska Natives in terms of education, they impose their own learning model on them. John F. Swede believes that people of the 21st century must learn to listen to the individual characteristics of a person and follow his desires. And on the basis of preferences and motivation, a desire to learn to read and write will be formed, therefore I agree that specialized schools and educational centers specializing in the peculiarities of the psychology and vital interests of Indians and Alaska Natives are a good idea. Such schools will help introduce these people into a new, unfamiliar, alien World and help them adapt. Because it is from childhood that the problems of children begin, which in the future entail serious consequences. It is necessary to build training based on what a person needs, what is interesting to him and what is the perspective of this skill for further success in life, based on changes in the social environment and following the standards and interests of the new century.
According to John F. Shved, motivation is important for developing a person’s desire to learn to read, especially in childhood, when we still do not understand why we need to learn to read and write. But in many families of Indians and natives of Alaska, according to statistical data, there is an extremely insufficient economic income, a low level of education that does not at all stimulate a child to study. Therefore, schools should help the child, they should take part of the care, responsibility and upbringing on themselves, which in the future will allow them to bring these children to a new social level and get them out of the circle of failure.
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED569223.pdf
(A Report on the Status of American Indians and Alaska Natives in Education: Historical Legacy to Cultural Empowerment)
P.S. In conclusion I would like to say that after listening to the interview with the children of Indians and Alascan
Native, I was surprised. How different peoples’ worldviews can be only thanks to social propaganda and cultural education. I am Russian, there are no Indians in my country at all. We have never seen them in real life, but I remember how in our schools we study the history of America and we are full of sympathy for this people and for all the troubles and injustices that befell them. There were many books about Indians in our school curriculum. I still remember books and films about brave, rebellious, proud warriors that I read as a child. Remember Chingachgook, die grosse Schlange from James Cooper’s novels “The Deerslayer, or The First Warpath”, “The Last of the Mohicans”, “The Last of the Mohicans” …. Or how I loved the book “Nomads of the North “James Oliver Curwood, I reread it 3 times. And how interesting was “White Fang” by Jack London !! Our childhood was spent in the company of just such adventure books, books that instill in us honor, courage and respect for the culture of another people. Boys and girls in my childhood loved to play “Indians”, built huts, pulled bows, learned to fish, I remember as a child I collected clay in a ravine by the river and learned to make pots myself. Therefore, in my tranquility, there is absolutely no contempt for Indians and Alascan Native, we were not brought up in this. I mean that all our aggression, misunderstandings, stereotypes also come from childhood, from the lessons of family, friends, school and the state, and if now children of any nationality in the United States face harassment in schools, this suggests that the rest of the children are someone taught this, there is no smoke without fire.
Q: How can we apply Szwed’s and Baker’s definitions of literacy as we study literacies of different cultures?
A: We can apply Szwed’s and Baker’s definition of literacy to study literacies of different cultures, by recognizing that certain cultures have a major impact on certain communities. For example, these schools as showed in the “Education Matters” youtube video give us insight into how school administrators are bringing recognition to the Native American Culture. Szwed’s theory on ethnographic literacy explains how we should use examples and real-life accounts when developing research about one’s community. It helps us understand how we need to observe one’s literacy to help us understand the reasons in which they communicate. Baker’s sociocultural perspective of literacy encourages us to look at someone’s literacy as an artifact and see how it has evolved over time.
Q: What can we learn about literacy and culture from exploring different cultural perspectives?
A: Something we can learn from exploring different cultures is that as explained the Native American people may be held to a disadvantage because they are sometimes forgotten about in our educational system. In an article talking about Native American literacy, Alia Wong states that these disparities “explain the negative perceptions about Native Americans’ educational outcomes, as does their relatively low early-childhood literacy levels.” This quote explains how school administrations might not want to focus school spending on Native American programs, and for that reason, there is a decline in Native American literacy levels, not to say that is the problem of the people, but the problem of the schooling system that is failing them. When we explore cultures we can observe how the schooling system either benefits or fails them.
Q: What did you learn this week about the American Indian and the Alaskan Native perspective on literacy?
A: After learning about American Indian and Alaskan Native perspectives on literacy is that they want to learn, and they want their cultures to be embraced by the schooling systems. In the first youtube video “Native American Students Respond to American Education”, we see how these students want to learn, and they want to learn in an environment that embraces their cultures and allows these students to not be bullied or laughed at. These students want to learn, they, love going to school, but we need to recognize their cultures so they put more emphasis on learning in certain environments.
Q: Find another source about this week’s topic and let us know what it is (provide a link, title, etc) and why we should explore it.
A: “The Issue of Native American Education System Failure”
I found a source that is currently demonstrating the false promises made to the Native Americans by the American government. This source explains how the nationwide schooling system has failed the Native American population by not funding reservation schooling, and not embracing their culture on a nationwide view, and it is very important that we embrace their culture because we would feel the same had our cultures been not represented.
The article you posted was a good read. I knew that our education system wasn’t doing right by our Native American citizens but I did not know it was this bad. As an outsider looking in, I am intrigued. I would like to find some ideas that maybe could allow us to tackle this problem in a way that’s both beneficial to the education of Native Americans without diminishing the importance of their culture. Respecting cultural boundaries while trying to keep the youth of this group “on-par” with educational standards should be something that was addressed a long time ago. Sadly our Native American neighbors are often overlooked across the U.S.
1. According to Szwed’s and Baker’s definitions of literacy, as we study literacies of different cultures we can apply them by first having the kids do programs that are related to their culture and language with other kids that have the same culture and language. By having those types of programs the Native American students will easily familiarize with everything. As of Baker’s literacy definition literacy changes by the culture everyone should be treated the same at the same time in every way. No kid should be treated differently or be superior because of their culture and background. As of Szwed’s literacy definition, kids should first be motivated by their own parents. Secondly, teachers should be checked on. In one of the videos above named “Native American Students Respond to American Education” a lot of kids expressed how their teachers were racist. That is totally wrong and horrible since I can also relate that to myself which actually happened when I first started at bmcc. Racist teachers/professors are the worst, just the feeling of not feeling the same as everyone else and/or sometimes not being able to talk because of a word that I wouldn’t be able to read or i’d probably say it with an accent and basically I never tried and got a bad grade in that class.
2. What we can learn about literacy and culture from exploring different cultural perspectives is other cultures,languages and their lifestyle. This way we could also understand how literacy works for them in general but for sure being based on their cultures and languages. It is also important to understand literacy for those kids that are being discriminated against. I believe that race or color should not matter when it comes to the education of the kids. Everyone should be able to learn without having to be treated or looked at differently which will have a good effect on their adaption to the culture and language. This is a failure of the educators to recognize and draw on native students.
3. What I learned about the American Indian and the Alaskan Native perspective on literacy this week is that their perspective to learn is the same as the other kids, willingly to learn. As an example we see the engagement of the Native-American kids when it comes to learning. They are willing to focus and learn and be treated the same. Poorly by the school teachers and students they are looked at differently. Being judged on their color, race as alcoholics, drug addicts, violent ect. This causes them to close themselves in and be ashamed to speak or express their feelings. Adding to it this also causes changing school or prevent them going to school because of the discrimination they go through on their everyday life in school. American Indian students are not seeing the same growth or success when it comes to their education because they are not equal/not being treated the same in schools or public institutions.
4. On the video below we have a few native students and their daily challenges when it comes to their education. There have been complaints filed since the discrimination against the native students in schools and how they should be getting the same attention as other students. You should explore this video to learn more facts about native students are being treated.
In the video below Judy Woodruff talks to Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell about restructuring the schooling system for the native students and how to help them. You should explore this video to learn what the U.S was doing to improve the schooling system for the native students.
I just watched the video you posted and it is so unfortunate that these people were basically destined to fail. Hopefully, our generation and the up and coming generation could make an effort to change their trajectory toward a successful one.
Hi, I agree with Sung on how unfortunate it is that Native Americans students are facing discrimination in schools and how they are being set for failure. The reporter mentioned how “native students with disabilities were placed in an alternative program and went without instruction for weeks”. Seeing the school neglect these students education is frustrating.
According to Szwed’s and Baker’s definition of literacy allowing students to be motivated was one of the key factors in the success of literacy. In today’s videos, many of the students came from underprivileged environments making it difficult for them to succeed. If there was a certain way to motivate these children and show them that people that came up from underprivileged environment could succeed it would be a huge motivator for these children. This was demonstrated in the youtube video Native American Student Education.
By exploring different cultural perspectives we could expand our own knowledge and be more aware of the issues around us. This could give us an opportunity to learn from each other and work as a collective to tackle the issues we face as a society.
This week we focused on the lifestyles of Native Americans and I noticed how much negative stigma they face. It really opened my eyes to how much history impacted a certain group of people. In societal eyes, they were predestined to fail with suicidal and drug abuse rates are at an all-time high. However, seeing the youtube video Native American Students Respond to American Education it is clear that these young students has hope and great aspirations.
https://www.aspeninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/files/content/images/Fast%20Facts.pdf
The link above directs you to statistics on the Native American people and the shocking reality they face daily. I believe people should check out the link so that they could be aware of the struggles these people face and how we could tackle these issues as a society.
In the video, the Native American students do have hope and I hope they receive the support and help they need! I like how you mention Native Americans in school receive a negative stigma. Because some of them were told to go back to where they came from. But Native Americans were the first people to be in the U.S so wouldn’t it be their land. I believe students and everyone should know and learn information.
1)
From Szwed’s and Baker’s meanings of literacy, we concentrate on skill levels of various cultures. Every culture has a different level of literacy. People of all backgrounds should be treated equally in the educational system. Also, it’s a big opportunity to learn about other cultures, their intelligence, and observe their traditions.
2)
More exposure to individuals from other cultures increases your appreciation for and respect for them.
Getting involved in social organizations is a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and traditions from people from across the world. When we respect diversity, we’re less inclined to stereotype others.
Although everyone is different, that shouldn’t be a cause to treat people differently in a community. When we come across a culture that is somewhat unlike our own, we are compelled to reevaluate our own views on life. You develop social skills, flexibility, an open mind, and self-reliance.
3)
From this week’s lesson I’ve learned that Native Americans face several problems, such as high mortality rates, inadequate health care, suicide, drug and alcohol misuse, and despair. They’re portrayed as thugs, alcoholics, addicts. In public schools across the country, American Indian and Alaska Native students are more likely to be suspended than any other racial group and they are being segregated. Teachers in boarding schools for Native Americans used to physically assault the students who spoke their native languages.
4)
https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/left-behind/
The above link describes how America fails American Indians and the Alaskan Native people in the education system. The article demonstrates high rates of poverty and discrimination against cultures.
That’s my post, I don’t know why it put the name of the article instead of my name there.
Hi Sabina,
I enjoyed reading your post. It is really sad to read about the treatment of American Indians and Alaskan Natives in the education system. Especially being mistreated by the teachers hired to protect our students, ALL students. You research article was also a good read. It’s disheartening to read that most of the parents interviewed for the article did not want to be named out of fear of punishment from the district. Not only are they not getting an equal opportunity at education but also have to live in fear to speak up.
1) Szwed’s definition of literacy described the social contexts and functions of reading, and Baker’s definition said that literacy can change based on what needs to be understood and who can understand it. You could apply Szwed’s definition for literacy in the sense that different cultures may need to understand different things. People should reserve their judgement for individuals that may struggle to read specific types of text. There needs to be context for why an individual must learn to understand written text and where can individuals develop the skills they need to read and understand different text. People read and use their literacy skills every day on things that are not considered literature, such as bills and checkbooks. Baker’s definition could easily be tied into studying other cultures because it begs the question; “How much does someone need to know to understand text?” An example would be medical documents. Sure, a doctor could easily understand written medical text, but to an average citizen I’m sure it makes little sense. It works the same way for other cultures. How much does someone need to know prior to reading, to better understand the written text?
2) We could learn how important the skill of reading is for other cultures. An example would be that some tribes don’t even have a written language, for their communication is strictly done vocally. Understanding written text may not be so important as the communities may be tight-knit and small, making the skill of reading in these communities almost useless since almost all communication is done by speaking verbally.
3) I learned that literacy and academic performance in school has a strong correlation with societal acceptance and personal growth, as stated in the “Native American Student Education” video. The school’s with very small Native American populations saw an increase in their graduation rate and academic success once this minority group had their chance to see positive role models and social groups that were made for them. Confidence and interpersonal success can boost academic performance. Literacy to them is seen as important, as being able to understand the world around them along with their own cultural background can give them a stronger cultural identity.
4) https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED463917 this is a review of research literature involving Native American students. This paper looks at research findings surrounding early childhood development, school curriculums, economic factors, social factors and more involving Native American students in U.S. school systems. The reason I think you should check this out, is because it involves brief summaries of many studies so you can really get all the information you could need in one place. If you’re looking to study how Native American’s try to learn in our school system, this paper might be right for you.
Hi Joseph!
Good post. I liked your breakdown of applying both Szwed’s and Baker’s definition to study literacy in different cultures. I reviewed your research article but Whoa… 96 pages! I didn’t read all of it but rather scanned through a bit. It was pretty interesting to read that early childhood development for native children is limited and that a challenging and stimulating environment should be created. As per the report the family home does not focus much on developing literacy skills at a young age.
Both the meaning and value of literacy varies from culture to culture, from people to people. Szwed defines literacy through five elements (text, context, function, participants, and motivation) and Baker through sociological, critical and feminist perspectives (cultural, historical, political, and economic). Culture is made up of customs, attitudes, and beliefs that are unique to each group of people. It is ever changing. We can apply both Szwed’s and Baker’s definitions to study literacy using the ethnographic approach of literacy to study using the ethnographic approach to study. By using a combination of questionnaires, social surveys, in-depth observations and a thorough analysis of their history, a better understanding and insight can be achieved for literacy in different cultures.
By exploring different culture perspectives, we can learn a lot about literacy and culture. Cultural perspective refers to the way individuals are shaped by their environment or community, as well as social and cultural factors. We can learn why some people develop literacy skills at a faster pace and way others at a slower rate. We can learn why some people are more successful and why others are not or not as successful. We can learn about their motivation, what motivates them or not. We can also learn how to interact and speak to people of various backgrounds and cultures accordingly.
After reviewing this week’s reading and video material about American Indian and Alaskan Native perspectives on literacy, I was left saddened and appalled, but not surprised at their treatment. America has a long, dark history with the natives. Sadly society and its institutions care very little about the Native American communities and their welfare albeit there have been strides made over the years. What I have learned is that according to DOE, enrollments for Natives are on the decline by nearly twenty-eight percentage with graduation rates and college enrollments trending in the same direction. But why is that? For starters when we look at the treatment they receive in schools from both students and teachers, it’s atrocious. Not to mention a pedagogy and curricula that is not standardized or mainstream but rather one that is tailored to “indigenous worldviews and learning needs” and neglected, rundown facilities. Is this system rigged to keep Natives (minorities) out of school, hinder their education and growth? Is education being weaponized? But that’s for another post on another day… From the videos, American Indians and Alaskan Natives want to learn. They want to further develop their literacy skills and education but in a manner that is respectful and environment that is conducive to learning. The glum reality is that not all students advance through the educational pipeline at the same pace.
Another source about this week’s topic is from The Red Road – Education of the First People. It is an interesting read because it gives some background on Native American education in history and also the current state of reservation schooling.
1. How can we apply Szwed’s and Baker’s definitions of literacy as we study literacies of different cultures?
As Baker says “as culture changes literacy changes” and we can teach other cultures and learn from other cultures.
2. What can we learn about literacy and culture from exploring different cultural perspectives?
From my understanding, it doesn’t come as easy to other cultures as it may seem to us. We need better access to things like literacy everywhere.
3. What did you learn this week about the American Indian and the Alaskan Native perspective on literacy?
We need to encourage those of other cultures that they too can be successful and help them get there. We need to be open to learning about other cultures.
4. Find another source about this week’s topic and let us know what it is (provide a link, title, etc) and why we should explore it.
National Indian Education Study shows how this only nationwide study explores the native culture and helps those learn and succeed academically along with meet the same cultural needs in the classroom as they do at home.
1. How can we apply Szwed’s and Baker’s definitions of literacy as we study literacies of different cultures?
As Baker says “as culture changes literacy changes” and we can teach other cultures and learn from other cultures.
2. What can we learn about literacy and culture from exploring different cultural perspectives?
From my understanding, it doesn’t come as easy to other cultures as it may seem to us. We need better access to things like literacy everywhere.
3. What did you learn this week about the American Indian and the Alaskan Native perspective on literacy?
We need to encourage those of other cultures that they too can be successful and help them get there. We need to be open to learning about other cultures.
4. Find another source about this week’s topic and let us know what it is (provide a link, title, etc) and why we should explore it.
National Indian Education Study shows how this only nationwide study explores the native culture and helps those learn and succeed academically along with meet the same cultural needs in the classroom as they do at home.
DB 3
Previously, we looked at the method of studying literacy through observations and interviews as well as the significance literacy has in relation to culture. To apply Szwed’s and Baker’s definition I think there should be discussions where people feel comfortable sharing and connecting their experiences with literature of different cultures. Baker raised the idea of how literacy is used to socialize and to build ones understanding on a topic. From examining different cultural perspectives, we can have a deeper understanding of different social issues and implement better solutions. In week 1 we looked at the TED Talk by John Trischitti and how he mentioned that literacy can be used to break social cycles like hunger, poverty, crime. This week we looked at an article titled “The Subtle Evolution of Native American Education,” and the video “Native American Students Respond to American Education” which both showed how people have a negative perception of Native Americans. Like the literacy issues we looked at in week 3, there are systematic failures with people having negative stereotypes of indigenous people and an education system designed to suppress tribal identities. From the video we also see the failures of teachers. Students mentioned how their teachers would assume they were things like druggies, alcoholics, thugs etc. In the video “Native American Student Education” it showed how native American students felt overlooked. Students wanted to see more representation of people successful like them, better curriculum, a voice, and a place they belong where they can freely embrace their culture. Building their confidence helped improve graduation rates. Based on what we saw in the videos I think the curriculum of Native Americans need to be improved. The content taught at schools can be stereotypical and inaccurate. I came across an article titled “Schools start teaching lessons from Oregon’s Native American tribes” which explains how Oregon is working with nine Native American Tribes to provide better and accurate teachings of Native Americans. Overall, it is a step forward in improving our student’s education.
Source:
https://www.registerguard.com/news/20200116/schools-start-teaching-lessons-from-oregons-native-american-tribes
1) As we study literacies of different cultures, we start to notice how students who comes from underprivileged backgrounds are seen as inferior in the school system. This week we learned about Native Americans and their perspective. In one of the videos, multiple native american students kept mentioning how they felt they were being treated differently compared to the rest of the students in their class. Szwed’s definition of literacy should be used in all literacy studies because he mentioned that motivation is a key in a students success.
2) Exploring different cultural perspectives could be really helpful and build our knowledge by realizing that were all different people with different backgrounds and we all learn differently. Learning about different perspectives is important because not only could we educate ourselves but we could also educate our community.
3) This week i learned that many native american students are seen as inferior by the school system. Many of the students feel like their school isn’t doing enough to make them feel “included” and they don’t feel like they have a source of pride. It’s very obvious that the school system is the reason many native american’s don’t succeed in their education.
4) Another source i found while learning about this week’s topic is https://blog.nativehope.org/the-issues-surrounding-native-american-education. This article sheds light surrounding native american education and the trauma that they have endured and still continue to endure.
We can apply Szwed and Baker’s definitions of literacy as we study literacies of different cultures because in Baker’s definition she mentioned sociocultural perspective of literacy and how it affects culture and then Szwed explained that literacy should be observed and how it should be motivating and inclusive to everyone as well. When we learn about literacy and culture from different cultural perspectives we do see the difference and what literacy means for that culture. For instance, the Native Americans show their culture at the school that has the highest number of Native American students. They push students and provide them with resources to improve on their literacy. I learned that most American Indian and Alascan Native perspectives on literacy and how it is truly important to them. In the video it did state that Native American students have a low rate when going to college. Some of them dropout as well. One of the reasons why American Indians dropout is due to not feeling comfortable at school. In the videos shown for Week 4, we see some Native Americans did a dance which made students at the school feel comfortable and motivated. Plus students were glad that they can see and observe other people’s culture. The Native Americans are prioritizing literacy and making sure that no student feels alone when being Native American.
In a website, titled 25 Ways Schools Can Promote Literacy Independent Reading, it talked about how literacy can be taught in schools. One of them were to create a literacy rich environment by providing support and supporting the resources financially. I agree on this because not a lot of students have access to things and that is what causes the dropout to increase. So I believe we should encourage literacy and make sure to do it right. The Native Americans took students to conferences about college which was very good and helpful for the student’s future!
1.How can we apply Szwed’s and Baker’s definitions of literacy as we study literacies of different cultures?
When I read Szwed’and Baker’s writings I realized that we can incorporate their definitions of literacy everyday because we usually come in contact with different cultures. By using a teaching style that stays away from mass education and mass learning. Doing this instead incorporates the methods they believed, resulted in the best outcome. We can all play a part in increasing literacy and cultural awareness. There are teaching opportunities everywhere we look. If we use the like two methods of Ethnographic research , field observations and interviews with the subject you get a better result than with just standardized testing. With on hands testing and cultural awareness both the student and the teacher gain knowledge.
2. What can we learn about literacy and culture from exploring different cultural perspectives? I believe that it is important to explore all different types of literacies from different cultural perspectives because if we step out of our comfort zone and explore another cultures perspective, we can see that humans pretty much have the same basic wants and no one should have the right to take that away so it is everyones moral obligation to protect that. Especially in the case of and American Indians who where slaughtered and their land taken away from them to the point that they only make up one percent of the US population its a disgrace. In this example when I look at it I could see why a lot of older American Indians have a big mistrust of the larger US population. In the Juanita Valley School that we watch the video about this week if broke my heart to hear one student say she encountered other children who thought the American Indians were extinct or perhaps a make believe story. From her perspective i can totally understand how lonely that must feel.
3. What did you learn this week about the American Indian and the Alascan Native perspective on literacy?
In the piece from the Atlantic, The Subtle Evolution of Native American evolution the writer started the piece by saying the maybe we need to “revisit” what the term minorites means when talking about students who arent white. I must say that it was enlightning because in every school and neighborhood I’ve every lived in I have been referred to as a minorities even the the people around be looked very much to be the majority there. I also enjoyed seeing the students from the Education Matter video share what they want to be when they grow up because it shows hope they believe and still have hope of a better future for themselves
4. Find another source about this week’s topic and let us know what it is (provide a link, title, etc) and why we should explore it.
A found a great youtube video about the Alaskan Natives History and the Fight for Their Land
1.How can we apply Szwed’s and Baker’s definitions of literacy as we study literacies of different cultures?
When I read Szwed’and Baker’s writings I realized that we could incorporate their definitions of literacy every day because we usually come in contact with different cultures. By using a teaching style that stays away from mass education and mass learning. Doing this instead incorporates the methods they believed, resulted in the best outcome. We can all play a part in increasing literacy and cultural awareness. There are teaching opportunities everywhere we look. If we use the like two methods of Ethnographic research, field observations and interviews with the subject you get a better result than with just standardized testing. With on hands testing and cultural awareness both the student and the teacher gain knowledge.
2. What can we learn about literacy and culture from exploring different cultural perspectives? I believe that it is important to explore all different types of literacies from different cultural perspectives because if we step out of our comfort zone and explore another cultures perspective, we can see that humans pretty much have the same basic wants and no one should have the right to take that away, so it is everyone’s moral obligation to protect that. Especially in the case of and American Indians who were slaughtered and their land taken away from them to the point that they only make up one percent of the US population its a disgrace. In this example when I look at it I could see why a lot of older American Indians have a big mistrust of the larger US population. In the Juanita Valley School that we watch the video about this week if broke my heart to hear one student say she encountered other children who thought the American Indians were extinct or perhaps a make-believe story. From her perspective i can totally understand how lonely that must feel.
3. What did you learn this week about the American Indian and the Alaskan Native perspective on literacy?
In the piece from the Atlantic, The Subtle Evolution of Native American evolution the writer started the piece by saying the maybe we need to “revisit” what the term minority means when talking about students who aren’t white. I must say that it was enlightening because in every school and neighborhood I’ve ever lived in I have been referred to as a minority even the people around be looked very much to be the majority there. I also enjoyed seeing the students from the Education Matter video share what they want to be when they grow up because it shows hope they believe and still have hope of a better future for themselves.
4. Find another source about this week’s topic and let us know what it is (provide a link, title, etc.) and why we should explore it
I found a great you video on the history of the Alaskan Natives with a nice history including why they had to fight for their land. Fighting for Our Land