The First Peoples Principles of Learning
They represent the most common elements in the varied teaching and learning methods within First Nations. It should be recognized that they do not capture all of the approaches used in any single First Peoples’ society.
Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors.
Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place).
Learning involves recognizing the consequences of one‘s actions.
Learning involves generational roles and responsibilities.Learning recognizes the role of Indigenous knowledge.
Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story.
Learning involves patience and time.
Learning requires exploration of one‘s identity.
Learning involves recognizing that some knowledge is sacred and only shared with permission and/or in certain situations.
The Eight Principles
Core Concepts Regarding These Principles
In this course, the students will learn how to make connections by reading, watching, and listening. The students will analyze the ways the languages and literature of the First Peoples express their cultures, knowledge, and worldviews, and how the various features reflect differing audiences and messages.
They will also learn how to write and speak for the purposes of creating and communicating. Along with the use of text types and styles, the students will also focus on the use of the processes of writing and design for the creation of interesting and relevant texts, along with the evaluation of the texts for increasing clarity. This includes showing respect when sharing ideas for the purpose of understanding, demonstrating the ability for speaking and listening, using oral communication skills, sharing opinions and providing reasons for supporting them, and responding to the texts critically and creatively.
They will also make decisions on the approaches for inquiry and comprehension, which links to critical and creative thinking, and gain knowledge from a range of sources. In addition, the learners will be able to identify prejudices and misinformation and understand how literary elements affect meaning and impact.