The Navajo calendar is a means of educating people to thrive in their surroundings, realize their individual potentials, and perpetuate their society. Describes in Navajo and English: the Navajo calendar, ceremonies and activities appropriate to each month, the moccasin game and string game (played in winter), and the significance of the number…

Describes Navajo philosophy and implications for teaching and learning. Explains four branches of knowing that provide a framework for conceptualizing teaching content, as well as interrelationships within the framework providing opportunities for critical analysis and reflection. Advocates inquiry-oriented, experience-based instruction that…

Traces development at Navajo Community College of educational models based on Navajo cultural foundations, most recently the Dine Educational Philosophy based on male/female dualist aspects of knowledge and values traditionally identified with the cardinal directions, and providing students with the means to integrate Navajo and Western knowledge…

Discusses why and how to integrate Navajo language and culture into daily lessons so as to reinforce the cultural identities of Navajo learners. Gives examples of how an elementary teacher has incorporated Navajo knowledge into literature, geography, and social studies lessons. (Author/TD)

Describes how a college teacher used Navajo traditional knowledge to rethink the teaching of college biology. Suggests that teachers intimidated by the intricate Dine Philosophy of Education may integrate Navajo knowledge into their courses through focused research guided by Navajo consultants. Includes five examples of redesigned curricula for…

Telecommunications and computer technologies are impacting future policy decisions regarding reservation development and Indian education. Describes three kinds of virtual American Indian organizations within telecommunications networks (Internet, individual bulletin board services, and commercial networks). Recommends that plans for tribal…

Describes a framework for social studies curriculum in Navajo schools that fosters critical citizenship through student research into the physical, historical, economic, political, and cultural dimensions of community life. Aims to promote social studies that reflect the human environment in which Navajo students live and also arm students with…

A speech presented to Navajo high school seniors on the eve of graduation challenges students to take advantage of educational opportunities, to set goals, and to continually strive to achieve their plans. Discusses the speaker's own experiences as a disabled Native American pursuing a career in computers and achieving independence. (LP)

An algebra class at Navajo Community College (Shiprock, New Mexico) uses traditional algebra topics to study real-life situations, focuses on environmental issues, encourages collaborative learning, uses modern technology, and promotes development of critical thinking and decision-making skills. Students follow principles of Dine educational…

The Family and Child Education (FACE) Program was instituted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as an early intervention program to integrate Native American parents, families, and schools through family literacy, parent education, and culturally relevant early childhood education. Describes a FACE program at a Navajo community school, with examples…

Overviews issues affecting Native American and bilingual education including the unique cultural, linguistic, and educational needs of different Native American groups. Suggests that Native American communities need to gain control of their children's education to ensure the integral use of American Indian languages in tribal schools. Addresses…

A four-year teacher education program at Haskell Indian Nations University (Kansas) prepares American Indians and Alaska Natives to teach Native American children. In addition to the knowledge needed by all teachers, the program focuses on knowledge relevant to American Indians, such as foundations of Indian education, learning styles of Indian…

A mentoring program matched 15 Navajo teacher education students with Native American faculty and staff at Northern Arizona University through preassessments that determined mentors' and students' preferred style of mentoring. Mid- and postproject evaluations revealed that specified career and psychosocial needs of students were met and that all…

A speech communications course at Navajo Community College (Arizona) combines traditional course content with Navajo philosophy by teaching college students how to organize formal speeches through a culture-based process involving thinking, planning, taking action, and developing confidence and competence. Includes student perceptions of this…

The Science and Mathematics for Indian Learners and Educators (SMILE) Project at Northern Arizona University provided science inservice training to K-8 teachers from Bureau of Indian Affairs schools on the Navajo reservation. The training aimed to increase and improve science instruction for Indian children and to connect science education to…