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Using the power of stories to engage students from under- represented populations Barbara Leigh Smith The Evergreen State College
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Education Crisis Stagnant college attendance rates Increasing diversity in population Shortage of students from under represented groups in STEM fields Mismatch between learning theory on what works & much practice
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) The Perfect Storm (ETS) Substantial disparities in skill levels -reading and math Seismic economic changes - widening wage gap Sweeping demographic shifts - less education, lower skills
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Context for Native American Students More than 500 recognized tribes Many signed treaties with US Dramatic changes in US policies towards American Indians Ambivalence towards education Most under-represented and behind Now in an era of self determination & cultural revitalization
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Key Features of Our Work Washington has 29 federally recognized tribes Evergreen long history of serving NA We produce & field test interdisciplinary Native Cases with teaching notes. 50+ cases available Partner Institutions-TESC, NWIC, SKC, GHC Annual 4 day summer institute for faculty One day workshops & presentations to colleges and high schools Very connected to related reform efforts
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Why Native Cases? Fill a void in the curriculum Correct inaccuracies that lead to misunderstanding Expand literature written from a tribal perspective Meet tribal needs in era of community revitalization and self-determination Vehicle to share information between tribes on common dilemmas & solutions
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Powerful approaches to learning Active, collaborative learning well validated by research Develops various skills Recognizes student knowledge Dissolves myth of silent “minority” students
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What topics? Native Advisory Board helped identify topics Side benefit of creating connections Current emphasis on science & social science cases
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Our Case Topics Sovereignty/treaty rights Intergovernmental relations Education Leadership Economic development Cultural preservation/renewal Indian enrollment & Indian identity Climate change Sustainability Salmon Energy Water/forestry Housing Land Health-diabetes, alcoholism, substance abuse, suicide
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Faculty views of impact of cases (N=42. Smith 2010) Positive peer-to-peer relations-74% Better grasp of practical applications-74% Stronger critical thinking skills-84% Strengthen communication skills-79% Gain confidence working in groups-68% Cases positively impact my teaching effectiveness-54% Compatibility with my teaching style-98% Students find the format challenging-63%
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Faculty Views of Native Cases Impact (Smith 2010) Native cases enhance scientific curriculum for Native students – 74% Agree Students feel curriculum is more culturally relevant – 80% Agree Students gain understanding of important issues in Indian Country – 90% Agree Native cases raise awareness of Non- Native students –82% Agree
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What Our Students Say (N=55) The cases addressed important issues in my community - 95% I learned new things from students in my group – 91% Cases improve critical thinking skills - 100% Cases increased my understanding of important concepts such as citizenship, sovereignty, and identity - 100%
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Ways to Become Involved Send faculty to our Summer Institute Host a one day workshop Use our cases (http://www.evergreen.edu/tribal/cases) Write cases Contact us: smithb@evergreen.edu
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References Educational Testing Service. (2007) America’s Perfect Storm: Three Forces Changing our Nation’s Future Enduring Legacies Native Cases Initiative at www.evergreen.edu/tribal/cases www.evergreen.edu/tribal/cases Lumina Foundation (2010). A Stronger Nation through Education National Science Board (2010). Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Innovators President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (2010). Report to the President: Prepare and Inspire K-12 Education in STEM for America’s Future Seymour and Hewitt, (1997) Talking about Leaving: Why Undergraduates Leave the Sciences.
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