Researchers Develop New Aboriginal Learning Gauge

Researchers Develop New Aboriginal Learning Gauge

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 13:41

 

 

The Canadian Council on Learning and the Aboriginal Learning Knowledge Centre have developed a new model to measure Aboriginal peoples’ success in learning.

 

They are calling it a “breakthrough for Aboriginal learning in Canada”.

 

The models are interactive and use modern technology to present Aboriginal perspectives.

 

The First Nations and Metis models are represented by living trees to convey the regenerative nature of learning and its relationship to community well-being.

 

The Inuit model uses an image of an Inuit blanket toss.

 

A Saskatchewan educator believes the new models provide a more accurate way to measure success.

 

Marie Battiste is a co-director of the Aboriginal Learning Knowledge Centre.

 

She says traditional ways of measuring how Aboriginal people are doing only look at deficiencies, and put too much focus on the classroom.

 

Battiste says the model will help communities look at themselves holistically, and will take into account how learning occurs in many stages of life and in many settings — such as in the home, on the land or in the community.