Evaluating Multicultural Classroom Resources: How can a teacher decide what is appropriate to use?
Many teachers wonder how to choose Native resources, whether they are appropriate to use in the classroom, and how to present them responsibly. We will share basic principles to keep in mind for your resource selection activities.
Resources That ENRICH Understanding of Native Experience
When selecting resources to use in your classroom, consider how the source will ENRICH your students’ understanding of Native cultures.
As you select resources and do your research, go broad and dive deep. Ensuring the resources are authentic and accurate requires due diligence. Seek out multiple perspectives and resources for a broad view of the issues at hand. When you find sources you trust, dive deep into the details.
Joseph Bruchac, author and member of the Abenaki tribe, cautions against “‘The Dances with Wolves Syndrome’ - books in which all Indians are noble and all white people are bad. Any resource that builds up one culture at the expense of another ultimately keeps racial tension alive.” (Williams, 2010)
Consider the source’s BACKGROUND & INTENT:
- Who is the creator? Author? Illustrator? Organization? What is their background and experience?
- What is the creator’s connection to the tribe? What position are they speaking from? Do they describe how they did their research?
- What is the purpose for creating the source?
- Look for authenticity and accuracy. Go to original sources, look for citations, cross-reference other sources, and look for continuity of tribal representation (tribal-specific dress, language, setting, etc.).
Look for TRIBE-SPECIFIC representation:
- Is the resource specific enough to provide understanding? Are there vague or inaccurate references that cause confusion?
- Watch for stereotypes, oversimplification, and homogenization (clumping tribes into one).
- Does the source bring Native Americans into the present or does it represent Native Americans as ONLY historical groups?
- Be cautious with casual ceremonial descriptions and/or references to deity. Be aware that the non-Native performance of ceremonial music or dances is usually not allowed or may require prior approval from official cultural tribal representatives.
Download the Cheat Sheet for Evaluating Culturally Responsive Resources
This handout can guide educators as they seek to select the most culturally sensitive and culturally appropriate lesson plans, books, videos, and print materials to use in their classrooms. It summarizes our overarching strategy for our research process as well as specific suggestions for recognizing authentic and accurate sources.
Amplify Native Voices in the Classroom Online Course
If you want to go more in-depth, you might also participate in our online course “Amplifying Native Resources in the Classroom.” We offer a whole module devoted to practicing evaluating resources and other activities designed to help teachers gain a better understanding of Native history and perspectives in the Utah area. This course was designed to inform teachers’ application of Native authentic resources in the classroom.
