respecting traditional arapaho learning styles in a digital world! jerry lassos & steven c. haas...

Respecting Respecting Traditional Arapaho Traditional Arapaho

Learning Styles Learning Styles in a Digital World! in a Digital World!

Jerry Lassos Jerry Lassos && Steven C. HaasSteven C. Haas

[email protected] [email protected]

ISLA ProjectISLA ProjectIndigenous Students Leap Indigenous Students Leap

Ahead!Ahead!

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

To teach, you must To teach, you must understand the understand the nature of those nature of those you teach.you teach.

© Steven C. Haas Denver 2013

For Too Many, For Too For Too Many, For Too LongLong

The educational experience of Native students has, and continues to be, lacking.

Have educational systems evolved to serve the needs of 21st Century Native students?

Please have a particular student, or group of

students, in mind as we present.

© 2013 Jerry Lassos, Denver

Self-Reflection

Did you have a school experience that:

1 – Rarely focused on your strengths?

2 – Didn’t understand and/or respect you as an individual?

3 – Rarely steered you toward advanced opportunities?

4 – Affected your self-esteem negatively?

5 – Had you considering dropping out?


http://www.weightymatters.ca/2010/05/most-important-questions-you-could-ask.html

http://en.hdyo.org/tee/questions

Diversity of Native Diversity of Native AmericansAmericans

Diversity of Native Diversity of Native AmericansAmericans

Over 2500 separate tribes in North America.

Ten Cultural Groups: Arctic, California, Great Basin, Great Plains, Northeast, Northwest Coast, Plateau, Southeast, Southwest, Subarctic.

29 Separate Linguistic Groups: Representing more than 296 different indigenous languages and hundreds of dialects.

Over 2500 separate tribes in North America.

Ten Cultural Groups: Arctic, California, Great Basin, Great Plains, Northeast, Northwest Coast, Plateau, Southeast, Southwest, Subarctic.

29 Separate Linguistic Groups: Representing more than 296 different indigenous languages and hundreds of dialects.


Thoughts from the Thoughts from the Coeur dCoeur d’’Alene TribeAlene Tribe

Courtesy of Gary Dorr

Thoughts from the Thoughts from the Coeur dCoeur d’’Alene TribeAlene Tribe

Courtesy of Gary Dorr

Visual-Spatial Learners

All Native populations share a common trait of spatial learning. Native Americans learn better

spatially.

Visual-Spatial Learners

All Native populations share a common trait of spatial learning. Native Americans learn better

spatially.


Circular Non-Linear Thinking

Circular Non-Linear ThinkingIndian thinking

is visual and circular

in philosophy.

Dr. Donald Fixico

Muscogee Creek

The American Indian Mind in a Linear World

Indian thinking

is visual and circular

in philosophy.

Dr. Donald Fixico

Muscogee Creek





“As a result of a different hemispheric orientation of the thinking mind, the brain of the American Indian developed with an orientation to circular thought and the brain of the Euro-American developed with an orientation to linear thought.”

Dr. Donald Fixico

Muscogee Creek


“As a result of a different hemispheric orientation of the thinking mind, the brain of the American Indian developed with an orientation to circular thought and the brain of the Euro-American developed with an orientation to linear thought.”

Dr. Donald Fixico

Muscogee Creek



Native American Visual-Spatial Thinking: A Celebration!


The world is becoming increasingly focused on non-linear, visual-spatial thinking:

Information and concept acquisition;

Processing, analysis, and synthesis;

Communication.

The world is becoming increasingly focused on non-linear, visual-spatial thinking:

Information and concept acquisition;

Processing, analysis, and synthesis;

Communication.



Native American Visual-Spatial Thinking: A Celebration! New breakthroughs, new careers, and even

whole new fields in the 21st century will spring from visual-spatial thinking!

New breakthroughs, new careers, and even whole new fields in the 21st century will spring from visual-spatial thinking!


Which Are You?Which Are You?

© Linda Kreger Silverman 2002. Upside-Down Brilliance, DeLeon Publishing, Denver CO

What Can A What Can A Teacher Do?Teacher Do?

© Linda Kreger Silverman 2002. Upside-Down Brilliance, DeLeon Publishing, Denver CO

Characteristics of VSLs Questionnaire Characteristics of VSLs Questionnaire

DefinitionsAuditory-Sequential

Learning is step-by-step, following a logical pattern from beginning to end. Auditory input is

directly processed in a usable fashion,and ideas are easily communicatedverbally.

Learning comes Visual-Spatial through imagery of a whole concept. Visualization provides

the organizational construct for assimilating,

processing, and communicating newideas.


The Visual-Spatial Learner

Possesses certain natural advantages in learning concepts, in contrast to learning skills.

Faces disadvantages in mastering material in the normal classroom setting where standard classroom techniques are used.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGESSees the whole quickly. Verbal instructions.Finds patterns easily. Sequentially solvedThinks graphically. equations.Understands dimensionality. Drill and practice.

© 2011 Steven C. Haas Denver

Absolute Deficits

Under-served in the classroom,

Under-achieving academically,

Under-identified as gifted,

More likely to drop out of school,

More likely to serve time in detention.


The “Trap” of Compensatory

StrategiesDevelopment of auditory-sequential

abilities as the path to success in the classroom.

Atrophy of visual-spatial abilities through disuse.

Need for higher-order thinking skills in upper level courses.

Reawakening or rediscovery of visual-spatial abilities.


How Many Visual-Spatial Learners How Many Visual-Spatial Learners in the Regular Classroom?in the Regular Classroom?

© Copyright Held by Steven C. Haas, May, 2008. Gifted Development Center, 1452 Marion Street, Denver, CO 80218


How About Specialized How About Specialized Populations?Populations?

Recent research with the VSI shows significantly higher numbers of VSLs in specialized populations, such as highly gifted (160+), Hispanics, and

Native Americans.

Visual-Spatial IdentifierVisual-Spatial Identifier

1. Dislikes public speaking2. Thinks in images instead of words3. Is a good speller4. Does not budget time well5. Resists demonstrating what she or he knows6. Has trouble with timed tests7. Has neat handwriting8. Is extraordinarily imaginative9. Takes things apart to find out how they work10. Is frustrated with writing assignments11. Solves problems in unusual ways12. Oral expression is much better than written

expression13. Reaches correct conclusions without

apparent steps14. Is well organized15. Memorized math facts easily



Purposes of the IdentifierPurposes of the Identifier

1. Diagnostic tool for clinical use2. Learning style assessment3. Counseling4. Modification of curriculum delivery strategies5. Parental assistance6. Self-assessment

Unique Arapaho Unique Arapaho Cultural AspectsCultural AspectsUnique Arapaho Unique Arapaho Cultural AspectsCultural Aspects

#1 Numbers of Visual-Spatial

Learners

• Lots of Boys Are VSLs

Almost 85%!

• Normal Number of Girls are VSLs

57%

#1 Numbers of Visual-Spatial

Learners

• Lots of Boys Are VSLs

Almost 85%!

• Normal Number of Girls are VSLs

57%


More Arapaho More Arapaho Cultural AspectsCultural AspectsMore Arapaho More Arapaho

Cultural AspectsCultural Aspects#2 Large Gender Differences

• Average Scores .39 pts = almost a full S.D. of .44 & .47 pts

• Scores of VSLs Spread of boys’ (3.16) & girls’ (2.92)

average VSL scores Boys cluster in “Strongly VSL”

– Girls cluster in “Tends to VSL”

#2 Large Gender Differences• Average Scores

.39 pts = almost a full S.D. of .44 & .47 pts

• Scores of VSLs Spread of boys’ (3.16) & girls’ (2.92)

average VSL scores Boys cluster in “Strongly VSL”

– Girls cluster in “Tends to VSL”



Cultural AspectsCultural Aspects#3 Questions with High Visual-

Spatial Scores

Importance of Group over Self (Q #1)

Vivid and active imagination (Q #8)

Labors at sequential task of handwriting (Q #7)

Strong oral tradition (Q #12)

#3 Questions with High Visual-Spatial Scores

Importance of Group over Self (Q #1)

Vivid and active imagination (Q #8)

Labors at sequential task of handwriting (Q #7)

Strong oral tradition (Q #12)



Cultural AspectsCultural Aspects#4 Questions with Low Visual-Spatial

Scores Reluctance to Stand Apart from Group (Q #1)

Justification May Be Important (Q #13) (tentat.)

Disassembly May Not Preempt Assembly (Q #9) (tentative)

Strong, but Non-Linear

Sense of Time (Q #4)

Clock Time Is Not Event Time (Q #6)

#4 Questions with Low Visual-Spatial Scores Reluctance to Stand Apart from Group (Q #1)

Justification May Be Important (Q #13) (tentat.)

Disassembly May Not Preempt Assembly (Q #9) (tentative)

Strong, but Non-Linear

Sense of Time (Q #4)

Clock Time Is Not Event Time (Q #6)


Deficit “catch up” modelDeficit “catch up” model

© 2013 Steven C. Haas, Denver

Use Technology to “Helicopter” Ahead!Use Technology to “Helicopter” Ahead!


Neighbor Nudge Neighbor Nudge (2 (2 minutes)minutes)

Neighbor Nudge Neighbor Nudge (2 (2 minutes)minutes)

Briefly share on the most important topic you heard in

the last segment.

Briefly share on the most important topic you heard in

the last segment.



Native American Visual-Spatial Thinking: A Celebration! Native American kids are uniquely

positioned to take advantage of those breakthroughs, and even to lead them!

Native American kids are uniquely positioned to take advantage of those breakthroughs, and even to lead them!


Technology: Tool of the 21st Century

Technology: Tool of the 21st Century

Technology - the breakthrough tool, the “Clovis Point,” of mankind’s next age.

To “visualize” things as they can be!

To “see” things no one has yet thought of!

To “grasp” connections where others see only separate thoughts!

Technology - the breakthrough tool, the “Clovis Point,” of mankind’s next age.

To “visualize” things as they can be!

To “see” things no one has yet thought of!

To “grasp” connections where others see only separate thoughts!


Teaching Techniques for Visual-Spatial Learners

Color !!!

Image Projection

Computers

Graphing Calculators

Videos, YouTube, and DVDs

Movies

Slides

Charts andDiagrams

Drawings

Demonstrations

Visual Clues

Thinking Maps


Daily Affirmation

SCHOLARSSILENCE OBSTACLES

KnowledgeWISDOM

COURAGEHOPE


AuthenticAuthentic 21 21stst Century Tasks for Century Tasks for

Our Visual-Spatial Our Visual-Spatial kidskids

• Project-BasedProject-Based OpportunitiesOpportunities ProgrammingProgramming


Students “See” Students “See” What’s Missing!What’s Missing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQbyCMGVZhs


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQbyCMGVZhs

Video ProductionVideo ProductionDigital Storytelling Digital Storytelling

- Connects generations- Connects generations- Honors heritage, - Honors heritage,

ancestors, familyancestors, family- Leaves a family - Leaves a family

recordrecord- Keeps stories alive- Keeps stories alive

““LiveLive”” Broadcasts Broadcasts- Leaves a legacy at Merrill- Leaves a legacy at Merrill- Awareness of potential - Awareness of potential

career opportunitiescareer opportunities


The Power of Inter-The Power of Inter-Generational Generational

Communication!Communication!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=478XuEt2EnQ

© 2013 Jerry Lassos and Steven C. Haas, Denver

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=478XuEt2EnQ

Project Based Project Based Opportunities Opportunities Leaving a Legacy Leaving a Legacy

at Merrillat Merrill

Tribal Flags Displayed at the SchoolTribal Flags Displayed at the SchoolDesign/Scheduling/Coordination with Admin/CeremonyDesign/Scheduling/Coordination with Admin/Ceremony

Outdoor Outdoor

ClassroomClassroom


2121stst Century Century Learning GoalsLearning GoalsStudent EngagementStudent Engagement

Strength-Based Strength-Based

ProgrammingProgramming

Access to OpportunitiesAccess to Opportunities

Self Esteem/Self Efficacy/Self Esteem/Self Efficacy/

Self AdvocacySelf Advocacy

© Steven C. Haas and Jerry Lassos Denver 2013

Transforming Students’ Self-Image!

© 2013 Jerry Lassos and Steven C. Haas, Denver

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WkPwEOE1pk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WkPwEOE1pk

Now that you know what it means to be a Visual-Spatial Learner,

PleasePlease take a few moments and write down the names of the most Visual-Spatial

children from your classrooms from last year.

And then, please write the names of the most Auditory-Sequential children. Your

thoughts will help our work tremendously. Thank You!!


Many PathsMany Paths

Within the people called

Native American, expect

and respect the wide diversity of

hundreds of different cultures,

each with its own path.


respecting traditional arapaho learning styles in a digital world! jerry lassos & steven c. haas...

Documents

haas denver

jerry lassos steven

linear world steven

thinking mind

century native students

circular thought

deleon publishing

upsidedown brilliance