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Reflective Inquiry and Application on Indigenous Knowledge Systems
In my point of view, embedding culturally responsive pedagogies into our daily teaching practice requires recognizing the diverse cultural background of learners and infusing indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing into the curriculum. An example is by promoting critical thinking and reflection and creating safe spaces for learners to share their experiences and perspectives. This gives room for a wide and deeper knowledge of understanding of the cultural contexts within which teaching and learning takes place, as well as a commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting reconciliation.
According to Howe et al (2021), “it is teachers who ultimately can lead the way to advancing Indigenous perspectives, reversing decades of assimilation policies, evoking social change, and providing the bridge between government rhetoric and meaningful student learning” (Howe et al., 2021, 23). As an educator, you can promote social change, and ensure that Indigenous voices are heard and valued within the educational context.
The concept of ‘All My Relations’ from Joanne Brown’s teaching, the essence of life is in everything. The inhabitants of planet life is well connected, the indigenous people are well connected and form a bond. This emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring these relationships, as well as the responsibility to maintain a balance within the interconnected web of life. It can be embedded into teaching practice by building in indigenous perspectives, values and ways of knowing into the curriculum and pedagogy. Learners can also be encouraged by educators to critically reflect on their own identities and relationship with the natural world, adapt teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and cultural backgrounds.
Howe, E. R., Johnson-Mukwa, S., & Te Momo, F. (2021). Effective Indigenization of Curriculum in Canada and New Zealand: Towards Culturally Responsive Pedagogies. Journal of Contemporary Issues in Education, 16(1), 23-39. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20355/jcie29443
I agree with how you presented your views, it is equally important to honor the relations as well as inculcating cultural responsive pedagogies. Cultural pedagogies contribute to students’ learning being more relevant and interesting. Teachers can build meaningful links between academic subject and students’ life experiences, improving their learning and retention of the information, by incorporating cultural practices, traditions, and knowledge systems into their lesson plans and instructional materials. As in one of the curriculum classes, we had specific culture based discussion, thus it is still embedded in my mind. The integration of cultural pedagogies fosters critical thinking and empathy among students by motivating them to examine other perspectives and comprehend the intricacies of many cultural settings. This improves their academic learning while also giving them valuable life skills for a world that is becoming more varied and linked by the day.
The response given by Folake effectively highlights the importance of implementing culturally responsive pedagogies, stressing the incorporation of indigenous methods of knowing and recognizing the value of varied cultural backgrounds. It effectively highlights how important educators are to promoting social change and ensuring that Indigenous views are heard. ‘All My Relations’ is mentioned, which emphasizes how relationships are important and how connected life is. Apart from this, people live a happy and prosperous life if they have people with whom they can create their bond. The response is detailed and useful, and i am agree with her viewpoint.