Module II

One of the most powerful ways in which the integration of diverse worlds can be seen is in the lives of indigenous people taking on the mantle of modern sciences while also embracing their traditional ways” (Module Two) 

Explain:
   Learning, Growing, Reflecting, Adapting—these are four words that I associate with being in Alaska. This week I was able to examine the differences between western perspectives and the native perspectives. The biggest aspect I learned about views was being holistic. Before this module I was partly confused. When I began reading this was a new term. I looked it up on the web and that did not fully explain my questions. I decided to talk to the resources around me in my community and my fellow colleagues. I am now walking away with an understanding that holistic means the connectedness between ourselves, the environment, and spirits.  I thoroughly enjoyed the subsistence video at the end when the gentleman said that everything had a spirit and that spirit was nurturing. It really gave me an understanding that by being here we should appreciate the different views and learn from them. I liked how the teachers were out exploring the resources. I myself have already taken part in some of the cultural traditions here along with been on walks to explore the land.

I also like the Venn diagram that compared Western and Native views. The similarities I noted were that we are both have perseverance and are open-minded. I also found it interesting how things are passed on from generation to generation in the Native perspective. 

Extend:
 I will use this module when thinking about learning from different perspectives. In a place like Alaska where there are so many great things the land has to offer, it is important to realize the connections. Subsistence living and using everything around you is a new concept to me. I am really learning to appreciate the interesting views and connectedness of my village. I feel it is essential to embrace all the new things here. Before I came here I did not necessarily think about all the new experiences that would be placed upon me. It is impossible to be in a place like this without recognizing and honoring the different perspectives.

Evaluate: I plan on introducing my students to both western ideas as well as discussing their native perspectives. Google earth will be interesting to use so we can learn about their land as well as mine. We are all connected to everything around us so I will use this module to work to better understand how I am connected to my current home in Quinhagak, Alaska.

I was also brainstorming things I could do to learn about different views and to educate my students. I came up with having elders come into the classroom to help or do a project. I also thought of ways we could learn about the animals around us and utilize the resources from the river, animals, etc.

 These resources I feel are helping me to learn about my land. Teachers are never done learning, so I am interested in any resources that will assist in that. I really enjoyed watching videos from the natives and the video on Chevak. Chevak is a village so I felt I could connect to the video and understand their way of living and the different things they do to survive. Overall I feel this module helped me to understand how we should embrace both the similarities and differences so we may learn from one another.

3 colleagues blogs:

I visited Alaska Native and Western Views. I liked this blog because she really explains the information presented in the module and it helped me to understand. She is also a veteran teacher, and being a new teacher I felt I could learn new insights.

I also visited Alaska Wisdom.I decided to visit this one because I was interested in the name of the blog. I also felt that I could offer him a good suggestion on how to balance preparing students for tests and incorporating Native perspectives.

The third website I visited Amy's Explore Alaska. I chose to go to comment on hers because we had similar thoughts.