First Nations students perspectives of their educational experience
Date
1998
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the perspectives of First Nations
students regarding their educational experience. Communication with seven First
Nations students was conducted over a period of one month using in-depth interviews
and dialogue journals. The sample of participants was drawn from three high schools
in the Saskatoon Public School Division. The interviews lasted approximately 45
minutes to one hour. Through the in-depth interviews and the dialogue journals
participants were asked to reflect on the following questions:
What are the profiles of First Nations students in the Saskatoon
Public high schools in Saskatoon?
What levels of involvement they have within school?
What personal and career goals they have?
What school programs or processes are enabling them to
achieve their goals?
What family and community support they receive?
What changes they think need to be made to improve First
Nations students' educational opportunities and/or benefits
Findings
Participants in this study believe that education is necessary for them to be
successful in their future. The literature review and the interviews indicate that
attendance and enrolment patterns for First Nations people are improving. The
participants identified that there continues to be a need for Aboriginal teachers at the
high school level. First Nations students continue to experience racism from some
non-Native teachers and peers. It was found that the parental and community support
is inconsistent in the lives of these 7 First Nations students. Some participants were
raised in single parent homes and their knowledge of and interest in their cultural
background varies. In conclusion the participants believe that they must take
responsibility for the choices they make in their lives.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Degree
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Department
Educational Psychology
Program
Educational Psychology