What are the Cultural Barriers for Native Americans and Hispanics Entering Science in Our Educational System

Cultural Factor’s Effects

Technical language of science is completely different from Native American languages. Native American students’ native languages may often have conflicts with English components which make efficient use of seientifie terminology more difficult. As an example there are hardly any matching words in Navajo for transpiration or momentum. When ever teachers have failed to recognize these problems Navajo students have achieved less marks and showed less positive attitude. The implication is that teachers who utilize strategies that link science terminology to native language will have more success with their students. Those Teachers who take some course work in American Indian language will learn to admire the different languages and be more likely to make suitable adaptations in their teaching style (Keating, 1992).

One other conflict between science and Native Americans could be cultural taboos. Some Native American tribe consider animal dissection especially frog dissection a taboo whose violation may result in severe consequences and that requires very elaborate ceremonials to offset. Touching bones is also considered to be a serious with dangerous consequence. There are also many others which have direct implications for the teaching of science (Keating, 1992; Bulow, 1972). Science denies the concept of spirits and ghost while to Native Americans this is most important part of their belief. Lack of home inspiration is also a key factor in keeping them away from science. Most gatherings are either of spiritual or traditional kind with science having no part to play. Native American teachings have always stressed on education from life experiences and physical encounters.

I recommend that teachers and students should build up a knowledge base about the various cultures and teachers should integrate this cultural knowledge into their teaching plans. Teacher should be aware of cultural tradition of their students, especially in areas that may cause students to have restricted positive experiences in science. In addition to this teacher should be aware of their expectation of Hispanic and American Indian students with regard to success in science, and they should expand their own learning so that they may encourage all students in traditional fields of study.

I found my internet resources by surfing different site. Sites selected were all government sites and provided authentic information. Resource books were borrowed from library. Other research reports and journals were also consulted. All of the selected resources were equally important and were selected after a thorough study and research. Information was gathered based on the relevance and importance to the topic under research. Text that represented the research study in greater detail was preferred.