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…

Four hataalii (Navajo medicine men) discuss why they chose and how they studied their profession, how ceremonies correct spiritual imbalance, why ceremonies cannot be done for non-Indians (differences in Navajo and non-Navajo belief systems), and how the Native American Church was founded to allow legal use of peyote and was commercialized by…

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…

Describes a Navajo model by which individuals may assume responsibility for reversing Navajo language shift. Argues that reversing Navajo language shift requires that Navajos acknowledge the problem, that Navajo principles of balance and the natural order be applied to the problem, and that Navajo individuals and families make a commitment to…

Proposes the development of a Navajo education system utilizing a reorganized curriculum structure, successful teaching/learning situations and strategies from Navajo culture, and research on Navajo learning style and cultural strengths. Calls for changes in curriculum, instruction, testing and student evaluation, core knowledge requirements, and…

In a lecture at Navajo Community College in fall 1995, Russell Means discussed freedom and responsibility in our present-day world. He talked about the true nature of education, the difference between knowledge and wisdom, and why Indian peoples must think critically about the educational and government structures constraining them. (Author/TD)

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…

A survey of 185 Navajo students in grades 7 and 11 examined the relationship between their identification with attributes of traditional Navajo culture and their achievement level on standardized tests. Results suggest that student identification with Navajo language, culture, and tradition helps develop student self-esteem and cultural identity…

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…

Advocates teaching science education from both Navajo and Western perspectives, giving Navajo students the ability to expand on the scientific method by constructing alternative explanatory hypotheses. Suggests that drawing from both cultural backgrounds stimulates development of the highest level of scientific thinking, which could lead to…

Addresses the need for culturally relevant education on the Navajo Nation and explains why educational standards proposed in 1984 by the Navajo Tribal Council have failed to preserve Navajo language and culture. Outlines models based on the Dine Philosophy of Education and describes related educational practices for both preservice teacher…

Interview excerpts in Navajo and English convey the perceptions of Navajo elders regarding Navajo language attrition, including monolingual Navajo-speaking elders' isolation and loneliness, the loss of social control in mixed families of speakers and nonspeakers of Navajo, and the loss of culture that accompanies Native language attrition.…