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Renée Gokey,
Edwin Schupman,
Colleen Call Smith,
and
Johanna Gorelick, Ph.D
In this course, learners will join the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian to explore the impact of problematic narratives of Native Americans on U.S. society and education and learn ways to recognize and share more complete narratives both inside and outside the classroom.
In addition, learners will explore Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°), the National Museum of the American Indian’s national initiative to inspire and support transformative teaching and learning about Native Americans.
Read more
In this course, learners will join the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian to explore the impact of problematic narratives of Native Americans on U.S. society and education and learn ways to recognize and share more complete narratives both inside and outside the classroom.
In addition, learners will explore Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°), the National Museum of the American Indian’s national initiative to inspire and support transformative teaching and learning about Native Americans.
Read more
In this course, learners will join the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian to explore the impact of problematic narratives of Native Americans on U.S. society and education and learn ways to recognize and share more complete narratives both inside and outside the classroom.
In addition, learners will explore Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°), the National Museum of the American Indian’s national initiative to inspire and support transformative teaching and learning about Native Americans.
This course, based off a three-part live webinar series, is designed for education professionals who are new to incorporating more complete narratives about Native American histories, cultures, and contemporary lives into their teaching. Educators whose primary teaching focus is social studies, English language arts, or library sciences and who work with students in grades 4–12 are encouraged to enroll. Homeschoolers, parents, and others looking for digital educational resources about Native Americans can also register.
This course will be especially helpful for educators who are just beginning to advance their practice of bringing Native perspectives to their curricula or anyone who wants to learn more about the importance of bringing Native perspectives and voices to the study of the country's history, cultures, and current events ~~~~
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/trnhpg/foundations
What's inside
Learning objectives
- The history of problematic narratives about native americans, its impact on society, and why it matters today.
- How the methods students use to investigate primary and secondary sources can help to transform their understanding of native americans.
- Strategies on navigating the nk360° digital lesson about northern plains history and cultures. attendees will consider ways to implement elements of the lesson in their classrooms and curricula.
- The history of problematic narratives about native americans, its impact on society, and why it matters today.
- How the methods students use to investigate primary and secondary sources can help to transform their understanding of native americans.
- Strategies on navigating the nk360° digital lesson about northern plains history and cultures. attendees will consider ways to implement elements of the lesson in their classrooms and curricula.
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the impact of problematic narratives about Native Americans, which is highly relevant to the study of the country's history, cultures, and current events
Teaches educators strategies for recognizing and navigating problematic narratives about Native Americans in classroom teaching
Provides strategies for navigating the NK360° digital lesson about Northern Plains History and Cultures
Highlights the importance of bringing Native perspectives and voices to education
Relevant for educators whose primary teaching focus is social studies, English language arts, or library sciences
Taught by instructors from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, who are recognized for their work in the field
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Reviews summary
Essential insights for native american education
According to learners interested in culturally responsive education and accurate historical understanding, this course offers essential insights into transforming teaching about Native Americans. The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian provides authoritative content that unpacks problematic historical narratives and equips participants with strategies to share more complete and accurate stories. Students particularly value the exploration of Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°) resources, finding them practical tools for immediate classroom application or personal learning. It's considered a foundational yet impactful course for those seeking to enhance their pedagogical practices or deepen their understanding of Indigenous perspectives.
Content can be challenging due to its historical implications and sensitivity.
"Confronting some of the problematic narratives was challenging but incredibly necessary and thought-provoking."
"I experienced a range of emotions while learning about the impact of historical misrepresentation on Native Americans."
"This course requires an open mind and a willingness to engage with potentially uncomfortable but vital truths."
Provides a strong basis but may require further independent study.
"I found this course to be an excellent starting point, but it highlighted how much more there is to learn."
"It lays a strong foundation for understanding Native American histories, though I realize this is just the beginning."
"While comprehensive for an introduction, I felt inspired to seek out additional resources and deeper dives post-course."
Offers actionable strategies and a valuable digital resource for application.
"Exploring the NK360° digital lessons provided practical ways I can integrate these perspectives into my curriculum."
"I gained concrete strategies for investigating primary and secondary sources that I can use with my students."
"The course gave me specific resources that I can immediately apply in my classroom to improve teaching."
Content is reliable, deeply researched, and from a reputable institution.
"Knowing this came from the Smithsonian's NMAI gave me great confidence in the accuracy and depth of the material."
"I really valued learning directly from experts associated with such a prestigious cultural institution."
"The historical context and resource recommendations were clearly well-researched and presented responsibly."
Addresses vital and often misrepresented historical narratives.
"I found this course incredibly important and timely, shedding light on narratives often missing from mainstream education."
"This course helped me confront and understand the problematic ways Native American history has been taught, which is essential."
"I appreciated how the course emphasized the ongoing impact of these narratives on society and education today."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Foundations for Transforming Teaching and Learning about Native Americans with these
activities:
Review the history of indigenous education in the United States
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with the historical context of problematic narratives about Native Americans to better understand their impact on society and education today.
Browse courses on
Indigenous Education
Show steps
-
Read articles on the history of indigenous education in the United States
-
Watch documentaries on the topic
Review basic social studies concepts
Show steps
Helps you recall and solidify foundational social studies concepts that will be built upon in the course.
Browse courses on
History
Show steps
-
Review notes or textbooks from previous social studies courses.
-
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.
-
Discuss key concepts with a classmate or tutor.
Review key concepts from previous coursework
Show steps
Strengthens your foundation by refreshing key concepts and skills that will be built upon in the course.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
-
Review your notes or textbooks.
-
Complete practice problems or exercises.
-
Attend office hours or seek assistance from a tutor.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Helps you stay organized and up-to-date with the course materials, improving your retention and recall of key concepts.
Show steps
-
Create a system for organizing your notes, assignments, and resources.
-
Review your materials regularly to reinforce your learning.
-
Annotate your materials to highlight important concepts and connections.
Learn how to use the Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°) platform
Show steps
Gain proficiency in using the NK360° platform to access valuable resources and lesson plans that support transformative teaching and learning about Native Americans.
Show steps
-
Explore the NK360° website and its resources
-
Complete the NK360° tutorials
Read "The Inconvenient Indian" by Thomas King
Show steps
Provides a critical perspective on the portrayal of Native Americans in history and media, enhancing understanding of problematic narratives.
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key ideas.
-
Identify and analyze the author's arguments.
-
Discuss the book with others to deepen your understanding.
Explore the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian website
Show steps
Provides access to a wealth of resources and perspectives on Native American history and culture, enriching your understanding beyond the classroom.
Show steps
-
Visit the museum's website and browse the exhibits.
-
Read articles and watch videos about Native American history, art, and culture.
-
Participate in online discussions or forums.
Engage in discussions with classmates or colleagues
Show steps
Facilitates the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences, deepening your understanding of the course material and promoting critical thinking.
Show steps
-
Join or create a study group or discussion forum.
-
Prepare for discussions by reading the assigned materials and forming your own opinions.
-
Actively participate in discussions, sharing your insights and listening to others.
Analyze primary and secondary sources
Show steps
Sharpens your critical thinking skills and helps you evaluate the reliability and biases of historical accounts, leading to a deeper understanding of the complexities of Native American history.
Show steps
-
Gather a variety of primary and secondary sources related to a specific topic in Native American history.
-
Examine the sources carefully, paying attention to their authors, dates, and biases.
-
Compare and contrast the different perspectives presented in the sources.
Design a lesson plan that incorporates more complete narratives about Native Americans
Show steps
Apply your understanding of problematic narratives and transformative teaching strategies to create a lesson plan that promotes accurate and inclusive representation of Native American history, cultures, and perspectives.
Browse courses on
Lesson Planning
Show steps
-
Research age-appropriate resources and materials on Native American history and culture
-
Develop lesson objectives that align with curriculum standards and promote critical thinking and empathy
-
Incorporate primary and secondary sources into your lesson to encourage students to investigate and analyze different perspectives
Develop lesson plans incorporating Native perspectives
Show steps
Encourages you to apply your learning by creating lesson plans that promote more accurate and inclusive narratives about Native Americans.
Show steps
-
Identify specific topics or concepts from the course that you want to cover.
-
Research Native American perspectives and resources related to those topics.
-
Create engaging lesson plans that incorporate these perspectives.
-
Share your lesson plans with colleagues or students for feedback.
Volunteer at a local Native American community center or museum
Show steps
Gain firsthand experience with Native American communities, deepen your understanding of their perspectives and contemporary issues, and contribute to promoting cultural awareness.
Browse courses on
Community Involvement
Show steps
-
Contact a local Native American community center or museum to inquire about volunteer opportunities
-
Participate in activities such as assisting with educational programs, cultural events, or community outreach
Review the history of indigenous education in the United States
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with the historical context of problematic narratives about Native Americans to better understand their impact on society and education today.
Browse courses on
Indigenous Education
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read articles on the history of indigenous education in the United States
- Watch documentaries on the topic
Review basic social studies concepts
Show steps
Helps you recall and solidify foundational social studies concepts that will be built upon in the course.
Browse courses on
History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes or textbooks from previous social studies courses.
- Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.
- Discuss key concepts with a classmate or tutor.
Review key concepts from previous coursework
Show steps
Strengthens your foundation by refreshing key concepts and skills that will be built upon in the course.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes or textbooks.
- Complete practice problems or exercises.
- Attend office hours or seek assistance from a tutor.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Helps you stay organized and up-to-date with the course materials, improving your retention and recall of key concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a system for organizing your notes, assignments, and resources.
- Review your materials regularly to reinforce your learning.
- Annotate your materials to highlight important concepts and connections.
Learn how to use the Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°) platform
Show steps
Gain proficiency in using the NK360° platform to access valuable resources and lesson plans that support transformative teaching and learning about Native Americans.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Explore the NK360° website and its resources
- Complete the NK360° tutorials
Read "The Inconvenient Indian" by Thomas King
Show steps
Provides a critical perspective on the portrayal of Native Americans in history and media, enhancing understanding of problematic narratives.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key ideas.
- Identify and analyze the author's arguments.
- Discuss the book with others to deepen your understanding.
Explore the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian website
Show steps
Provides access to a wealth of resources and perspectives on Native American history and culture, enriching your understanding beyond the classroom.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the museum's website and browse the exhibits.
- Read articles and watch videos about Native American history, art, and culture.
- Participate in online discussions or forums.
Engage in discussions with classmates or colleagues
Show steps
Facilitates the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences, deepening your understanding of the course material and promoting critical thinking.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join or create a study group or discussion forum.
- Prepare for discussions by reading the assigned materials and forming your own opinions.
- Actively participate in discussions, sharing your insights and listening to others.
Analyze primary and secondary sources
Show steps
Sharpens your critical thinking skills and helps you evaluate the reliability and biases of historical accounts, leading to a deeper understanding of the complexities of Native American history.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather a variety of primary and secondary sources related to a specific topic in Native American history.
- Examine the sources carefully, paying attention to their authors, dates, and biases.
- Compare and contrast the different perspectives presented in the sources.
Design a lesson plan that incorporates more complete narratives about Native Americans
Show steps
Apply your understanding of problematic narratives and transformative teaching strategies to create a lesson plan that promotes accurate and inclusive representation of Native American history, cultures, and perspectives.
Browse courses on
Lesson Planning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research age-appropriate resources and materials on Native American history and culture
- Develop lesson objectives that align with curriculum standards and promote critical thinking and empathy
- Incorporate primary and secondary sources into your lesson to encourage students to investigate and analyze different perspectives
Develop lesson plans incorporating Native perspectives
Show steps
Encourages you to apply your learning by creating lesson plans that promote more accurate and inclusive narratives about Native Americans.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify specific topics or concepts from the course that you want to cover.
- Research Native American perspectives and resources related to those topics.
- Create engaging lesson plans that incorporate these perspectives.
- Share your lesson plans with colleagues or students for feedback.
Volunteer at a local Native American community center or museum
Show steps
Gain firsthand experience with Native American communities, deepen your understanding of their perspectives and contemporary issues, and contribute to promoting cultural awareness.
Browse courses on
Community Involvement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Contact a local Native American community center or museum to inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Participate in activities such as assisting with educational programs, cultural events, or community outreach
Career center
Learners who complete Foundations for Transforming Teaching and Learning about Native Americans will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Museum Educator
Museum Educator
Museum Educators teach audiences about museum collections and history using a variety of platforms and methods, including tours, lectures, and workshops. This course can help you develop the skills you need to create educational programs that incorporate Native American perspectives and voices. You will also learn about the history of problematic narratives about Native Americans and how to avoid perpetuating them in your work.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists preserve and catalog historical documents and artifacts. This course can help you develop the skills you need to identify and preserve primary and secondary sources related to Native American history and culture. You will also learn about the importance of providing access to these materials to researchers and the public.
Historian
Historian
Historians research and write about the past. This course can help you develop the skills you need to conduct research on Native American history and culture. You will also learn about the importance of using multiple sources and perspectives to create a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the past.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologists study the cultures of different societies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to conduct ethnographic research on Native American communities. You will also learn about the importance of respecting cultural diversity and avoiding stereotypes.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers plan and deliver instruction for students in a variety of settings. This course can help you develop the skills you need to teach about Native American history and culture in a way that is engaging and respectful. You will also learn about the importance of incorporating multiple perspectives and avoiding stereotypes.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. This course can help you develop the skills you need to build a collection of resources on Native American history and culture. You will also learn about the importance of providing access to these resources to the community.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write and report on current events and issues. This course can help you develop the skills you need to write about Native American issues in a way that is accurate and respectful. You will also learn about the importance of avoiding stereotypes and giving voice to Native American perspectives.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to analyze policies that affect Native American communities. You will also learn about the importance of advocating for policies that are fair and just.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. This course can help you develop the skills you need to represent Native American clients in a way that is effective and respectful. You will also learn about the importance of advocating for the rights of Native American people.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people cope with personal and social problems. This course can help you develop the skills you need to work with Native American clients in a way that is culturally sensitive and respectful. You will also learn about the importance of advocating for policies that support Native American well-being.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators plan and oversee museum exhibits. This course can help you develop the skills you need to create exhibits that incorporate Native American perspectives and voices. You will also learn about the importance of respecting cultural diversity and avoiding stereotypes.
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
Archaeologists study the remains of past cultures. This course can help you develop the skills you need to conduct archaeological research on Native American sites. You will also learn about the importance of respecting cultural diversity and avoiding stereotypes.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the cultures of different societies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to conduct anthropological research on Native American communities. You will also learn about the importance of respecting cultural diversity and avoiding stereotypes.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study politics and government. This course can help you develop the skills you need to analyze policies that affect Native American communities. You will also learn about the importance of advocating for policies that are fair and just.
Economist
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course can help you develop the skills you need to analyze economic policies that affect Native American communities. You will also learn about the importance of advocating for policies that promote economic development.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/trnhpg/foundations
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Foundations for Transforming Teaching and Learning about Native Americans.
A groundbreaking work that challenges the dominant narratives of American history and centers the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous peoples.
An accessible and engaging adaptation of Dunbar-Ortiz's groundbreaking work for young readers. Provides a valuable resource for educators working with students in grades 4-12.
Save
Examines the enduring legacy of Christopher Columbus and the impact of his arrival on Native American communities. Challenges traditional narratives and offers perspectives from Indigenous scholars.
A comprehensive history of Native America from the Wounded Knee Massacre to the present day. Offers a detailed and nuanced account of the challenges and resilience of Native communities.
An accessible overview of Native American history from the pre-Columbian era to the present day. Provides context for understanding the problematic narratives discussed in the course.
A contemporary analysis of the social, political, and economic challenges and opportunities facing Native American communities in the United States. Provides insights into the ongoing struggles for self-determination and cultural preservation.
Explores the significance and value of Indigenous literature in challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding of Native American cultures and experiences.
A classic account of the tragic history of Native Americans in the American West. Provides a powerful and moving narrative that complements the course's focus on problematic narratives.
Save
A thought-provoking exploration of human history that challenges conventional narratives and offers new insights into the diversity and complexity of human societies, including Native American civilizations.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/trnhpg/foundations
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Rating
4.6
Effort
1 to 2 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
The Smithsonian Institution
Instructors
Renée Gokey
Edwin Schupman
Colleen Call Smith
Johanna Gorelick, Ph.D
Language
English
Transcript
English
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