Graduation Date
Spring 2024
Document Type
Project
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Education
Committee Chair Name
David Adams
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Meenal Rana
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Kishan Lara-Cooper
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Land-based, Two-eyed seeing, Traditional ecological knowledge, Outdoor education, Early childhood education
Subject Categories
Education
Abstract
This pilot project seeks to nurture space for Indigenous perspectives while equipping early childhood educators with tools for integrating diverse epistemology into outdoor learning practices to foster collaborative educational approaches. To align with this effort of shared knowledge, the project intends to offer a culturally sustaining educational tool that can help disrupt dominant approaches by evaluating alternative teaching strategies that center partnerships with local Indigenous communities to move toward equity-centered education. This can be achieved by modeling a resource guide after the theoretical underpinnings of Etuaptmumk Two-Eyed Seeing, and land-based pedagogy. A major component of this resource guide will include the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework which offers differentiation and support for diverse learning styles and needs. Another aspect of this resource will include the five essential value systems within land-based programs for success as outlined by the Dene People and Yellow Head Institute 2023: Indigenous self-determination, health and well-being, environmental stewardship, reconciliation and climate justice, and evaluation. The resource guide also outlines best practices for early childhood education aligned with California Department of Education (CDE) Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 3, 2012, and Preschool Curriculum Frameworks, Volume 3, 2012, with considerations and adaptations for students with disabilities. By analyzing the current literature and reviewing land-based programs, practices, and educational resources, an outdoor education resource guide was developed that utilizes Indigenous theories of land as the foundation. This approach supports educators in pursuing culturally sustaining pedagogy while creating opportunities for students to learn from and connect with nature.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Matthews, Jacquelyn R., "Beyond the classroom: A land-based approach to outdoor education" (2024). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 728.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/728