Significance of Decolonizing Pedagogy

I am really fortunate that for this weeks task, I had the opportunity to read academic articles related to indigenous perspectives and the importance of using decolonizing methods in the classroom. Over the several weeks, writing this blog has given me the opportunity reflect on my current teaching practices as well as explore how I can adapt my teaching practices to meet the needs of learners. The two articles I read reiterated the significance that decolonizing pedagogy gives in education to both indigenous and non-indigenous students. 

One major take away I took from both readings was the impact our education system has on indigenous learners. When students do not see their culture represented in the education system, it hinders their self-esteem and overall well-being. As our current education system has been greatly influenced by other eduction systems solely in the United States and Europe, the majority of learners who will thrive from current teaching pedagogies are those who come from these backgrounds. All learners should have the opportunity to make connections to the information being taught to them and be able to see their own values represented and being acknowledged. I am sure that anyone can think of a time where they found a lesson engaging as well as a time when a new teaching to be discouraging. Often times, we learn best when we can make connections and relate to the information which is being presented. Therefore, how can we expect all students to achieve and retain the information being presented when our education system is not designed to represent all learners?

For this reason, I will continue to educate myself on how to continue to implement decolonizing pedagogy methods into my teaching practices as well as find ways where all my students feel their values are being represented in the classroom in order to strive and be the best educator I can be and provide the best learning opportunities for my students.  

For those who would like to read the two articles I had the chance to explore this week, you can find the titles below. I hope that reading these articles gives you the opportunity to reflect on your own teaching practice and understand the significance that decolonizing pedagogy has on our young learners. 

Articles:

Madden, B. (2015). Pedagogical pathways for Indigenous education with/in teacher education. Teacher and teaching education.  Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia. p. 1-15. 
Toulouse, P.R. (2008). Integrating Aboriginal teaching and values into the classroom. Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat. p. 1-4.