Hands-on learning
The technology education curricula generally encourage the use of hands-on learning through exploring the design process and using various machines and tools to create projects and artifacts. Because of this, hands-on learning is already a part of many classrooms and shops. A great way to approach hands-on learning is through students designing and creating via projects. Project-based learning allows students to explore designs and ideas and learn new skills all while working towards one final goal.
Example: Robotics challenges offer students a great opportunity to explore various design ideas and principles while learning various scientific concepts and implementing tool and machine use. Students can build a robot towards a goal or challenge, working through the design process multiple times to create the best robot they can to complete said challenge. Further, they can attempt this challenge as an individual or in a group, sharing strengths and weaknesses and learning how to effectively work with others to reach a mutual goal.
Connect students to local work and volunteer experiences
Connecting students to local opportunities can aid them in finding where their passions lie and what sort of career/work they may be interested in doing in their future. Jobs and volunteer work can connect the student to the community as they make new relationships with coworkers, bosses, and customers. Volunteer work is especially important as it is often done with the goal to better the local community and help people or groups that may not be able to do so on their own. This can lead to new local relationships being formed and to personal growth for the student as they meet new various people with different backgrounds and ways of living/being.
Many high schools have a ācareersā focused entity within the school/district. If this is not the case, it may require teachers taking on that role to initially make connections for students.
Offer students the opportunity to experience Indigenous culture and ways of knowing in a practical way
This can be done by:
- introducing the First Peoples Principles of Learning into your classroom lessons and projects.
- inviting Elders and Knowledge Keepers into the classroom to aid students in their work or share valuable insights with them.
- exploring current and historical Indigenous technologies. Through analyzing their design and how they were created, students will better understand their use and cultural context/importance.
- having students design and build their own version of an Indigenous technology.
- exploring Indigenous created technologies, such as tools, housing, clothing, transportation, food, and design/arts. This can take the form of comparing and contrasting two or more technologies, noting their advantages and disadvantages, and delving into why the technologies may have been designed the way they were/are and their historical/cultural significance.
The more of these points that are covered in the shop the greater the Indigenous education inclusion will be and the more authentic and engaging it will be for students of all backgrounds.