My Aboriginal Experience
As a high school Gr.10, 11, 12 University / College Prep Social Science Teacher, I feel that as instructors we need to go out of our way to make sure that we are effectively communicating with our students, as this opportunity helps teachers understand that there are also remnants of the legacy left behind. This can include mixed feelings for both the teacher and student…as one is reminded of the historical experiences linked to the harsh conditions of residential schools on one hand, and also some of the neutral / positive outcomes, such as transfer of skills, education, language, employment and political opportunities on the other hand.
I would also like to share my experience with teaching ESL students about Aboriginal culture. For example, a while back, when I was teaching English to ESL international students in Toronto, I also incorporated the history, culture and music of the Aboriginal people. We also travelled across southern Ontario to Ottawa and Kingston, where we further discovered the history and culture of Aboriginal people.
In addition, on the last day of class, we had a ceremony, where we exchanged gifts and I performed a traditional dance. The incense aroma of sage in the air was also exhilarating! Furthermore, I also introduced students to Native American customs and music. They very much enjoyed listening and singing to the following song of the Chirapaq Native Americans as well. I would like to share the link to this video clip which has approximately 3 million views:
Moreover, as your presentation explains, several components need to be taken into account, such as the bond Aboriginal students have with their teachers, along with the trust relationship and ability to rely on their instructors. Hence, better communication between the teacher and his/her Aboriginal students, will help instructors further effectively teach, and become leaders who guide them through the path of moral spirituality and enlightenment!
In conclusion, having the opportunity to critically absorb the information in your resource review presentation, I have been further enlightened to reflect on how education needs to be adapted to meet the needs of the learners, in order to empower everyone in the class, especially students who come from Indigenous communities.
I would also like to share my experience with teaching ESL students about Aboriginal culture. For example, a while back, when I was teaching English to ESL international students in Toronto, I also incorporated the history, culture and music of the Aboriginal people. We also travelled across southern Ontario to Ottawa and Kingston, where we further discovered the history and culture of Aboriginal people.
In addition, on the last day of class, we had a ceremony, where we exchanged gifts and I performed a traditional dance. The incense aroma of sage in the air was also exhilarating! Furthermore, I also introduced students to Native American customs and music. They very much enjoyed listening and singing to the following song of the Chirapaq Native Americans as well. I would like to share the link to this video clip which has approximately 3 million views:
Moreover, as your presentation explains, several components need to be taken into account, such as the bond Aboriginal students have with their teachers, along with the trust relationship and ability to rely on their instructors. Hence, better communication between the teacher and his/her Aboriginal students, will help instructors further effectively teach, and become leaders who guide them through the path of moral spirituality and enlightenment!
In conclusion, having the opportunity to critically absorb the information in your resource review presentation, I have been further enlightened to reflect on how education needs to be adapted to meet the needs of the learners, in order to empower everyone in the class, especially students who come from Indigenous communities.