Cultural Education: Embracing Diversity in Learning
A major role of education is to transmit a society’s culture from one generation to the next. Over the last few weeks we have been looking at different systems around the world and I feel that is not only important, but logical, to now take a look at different indigenous education systems from around the world and what we can learn from them.
Reflecting on a quote from the 1985 NAEC report, which emphasised that education for Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders should not only embody "a growing understanding by them of the many elements of their culture, (it should) also assist the development of their own personal identity ... and their feelings of self-esteem and cultural awareness" (1985: 12), I couldn't help but consider its relevance for all children.
Do we not desire a sense of cultural identity and belonging for every child?
Are our children truly connected to something bigger than themselves?
Additionally, amidst these reflections, one crucial aspect emerges—the daily experience of each child in the classroom. How they are treated by their teachers, the knowledge they are exposed to, and their sense of belonging to that knowledge—all play pivotal roles in shaping their educational journey.
This week we take some time to look at traditional methods of education in the Māori, Aboriginal and Native American cultures to see what insights we may be able to utilise for our modern education system.
Māori Education Principles:
Traditionally, Māori education was deeply rooted in communal learning, with children prepared for their roles within the tribe through group settings. Knowledge was transmitted orally from generation to generation, often within whare wānanga reserved for those of appropriate lineage, such as chiefs and tohunga (knowledge experts). These experts held vast tribal knowledge entrusted to them for passing on.
Central to this traditional education was the use of whakapapa, a genealogical framework utilised for memorising complex material and understanding the interconnectedness of all things. Mātauranga Māori, encompassing knowledge of the visible and invisible universe, formed the basis of Māori engagement with the world, emphasising connections between humans and non-humans to comprehend their surroundings.
Māori education emphasised learning by doing, teaching within contextual settings, and advancement when individuals were ready. Cultural knowledge and practical skills were imparted by parents, grandparents, and community leaders through daily activities and storytelling, fostering a sense of belonging and identity within the whānau and community.
Key elements of traditional Māori learning included:
Practical learning activities like gathering, harvesting, food preparation, weaving, carving, and warfare, blending on-the-job training with formal learning akin to apprenticeships.
Respect for tapu (religious restrictions) and understanding its operation within society.
Utilisation of oral culture, including waiata (songs), whakataukī (proverbs), kōrero tawhito (history), pūrākau (stories), and whakapapa (genealogy), as educational tools for transmitting history, values, and behavioural models.
The concept of ako, describing a reciprocal teaching and learning relationship where both educator and student learn from each other.
Using stories to retain essential knowledge.
Holistic education, incorporating Te Whare Tapa Wha framework, which acknowledges the interconnectedness of physical, mental, spiritual, and family/whānau well-being.
Emphasis on a sense of belonging and the critical importance of the environment for survival.
These principles of Māori education continue to offer valuable insights and perspectives for modern educational practices, highlighting the significance of cultural identity, community engagement, and holistic learning approaches.
Principles of Aboriginal Education:
Aboriginal education encompasses a diverse array of traditions across various tribes, but it shares common aims centred around the transmission of culture and way of life. Education is focused on imparting knowledge of the land, survival skills, kinship structures, and religious traditions, all passed down orally from generation to generation.
In Aboriginal societies, the universe is understood through spiritual essences and relationships rather than physical qualities. Cooperation is valued over competition, and an individual's sense of worth is deeply tied to their role within the community.
Learning occurs within the context of daily life, with elders playing a central role in passing down traditions and knowledge within the family. Aboriginal education emphasises:
Learning in context, where knowledge is acquired through observation, imitation, personal trial and feedback, real-life performance, and mastering context-specific skills.
Traditions are transmitted orally by elders, emphasising the importance of cultural heritage and identity.
Essential knowledge includes understanding the environment and acquiring survival skills.
Knowledge is cherished as a treasure, preserved and transmitted across generations.
In summary, Aboriginal education revolves around learning within the cultural context, with a focus on preserving traditions, understanding the environment, and fostering cooperation within the community.
Principles of Native American Education:
Native American education historically encompassed various methods, including formal schools, apprenticeships, and storytelling, all emphasising the importance of cultural knowledge and history for success in life.
Knowledge transfer occurred through oral tradition and hands-on training, with elders passing down tribal history, culture, and religion to the younger generation. This curriculum was largely family and community-based, focusing on preparing individuals for specific roles within their community.
Education was predominantly oral, with stories serving as a primary method of learning. Language played a crucial role in connecting past experiences with present meanings, allowing children to interact with their environment and develop intellectually, morally, and spiritually.
Native American learners valued unity, oneness, and cooperation, prioritising communal possessions over individual wealth or status. They tended to be cooperative, visual learners who valued reflection and respected elders. Holistic creativity was emphasised, allowing individuals to see the bigger picture and understand their interconnectedness with the environment and community.
In reflecting on the educational principles of Indigenous cultures such as Māori, Aboriginal, and Native American, several key similarities emerge that offer valuable insights for modern education systems. Across these cultures, there is a profound connection to one's culture, a strong sense of belonging rooted in understanding one's genealogy, and a reverence for knowledge passed down through oral traditions by respected elders. Real-life context and hands-on training are prioritised over abstract learning, fostering a holistic approach to education that integrates practical skills with cultural knowledge. Additionally, there is a deep respect for the environment, recognising its crucial role in survival and emphasising cooperation with nature rather than exploitation.
These fundamental principles offer a compelling blueprint for reimagining modern education systems to be more holistic, engaging, and relevant for today's learners. By incorporating elements such as oral traditions, storytelling, and hands-on learning, educators can create learning environments that resonate with students on a deeper level, fostering a sense of connection to their culture and environment. Emphasising the sacredness of knowledge and the importance of understanding one's place in the world can inspire students to approach learning with greater curiosity, respect, and appreciation. Ultimately, by drawing upon the wisdom of Indigenous educational practices, we can cultivate educational experiences that honour diverse cultures, empower students to thrive in the modern world, and foster a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with each other and the natural world.
Thank you and I hope that you have gained some new insights by reading through this post today.
If this work interests you please connect with me on Facebook or Instagram as I would love to share ideas with other passionate educators.
Take care and see you again next week,
Natalie
