Although counterintuitive, many theoretical resources on education decolonization include highly specialized jargon and difficult concepts. We understand that, even with our best efforts to compile accessible resources, not everyone will have the same entrypoint to this work, or is able to look through our entire catalogue of resources. For this reason, we have compiled and defined a glossary of terms you will frequently encounter throughout this section, as well as included a list of common themes in the work of education decolonization.
Decolonization:
The active resistance against the effects/history of colonialism. Decolonization demands a framework that centers the experience and values of colonized peoples, including tangible, consequential actions and processes like abolishing white, colonial institutions or paying reparations to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
Indigenization
The process of making something more suited to local needs/ desires by employing Indigenous knowledge and methodologies. Indigenization works for the benefit of all people in the community it is affecting.
Hegemony
The dominance and control of one group over another, often through the process of disseminating cultural/intellectual ideologies from the dominant group to the other.
Pedagogy
Pedagogy is the method or approach to teaching. Merriam Webster defines it as “the art, science, or profession of teaching” so that the phrase “modern pedagogy” roughly means “modern teaching”.
Abolition vs. Reformation
Reformation is about changing or repairing the existing system. It acknowledges the flaws of the system, but still believes in its potential effectiveness.
Abolition is about the upheaval or removal of the system entirely. It acknowledges that the system is inherently flawed and/or ineffective in its intended purpose, and therefore cannot be improved by reform.
(Paying) Reparations
Making amends for wrongdoing by offering a form of compensation that meets the demands and/or desires of the affected group. An example of a reparation is paying for an object you broke.
Settler colonialism
A form of colonialism whereby the colonizer occupies and asserts their sovereignty on Indigenous land and over Indigenous people, disrupting Indigenous peoples’ relationships to land and, thereby, to their history, sovereignty, and culture.
Below are some common themes that are recurring in discussions surrounding decolonizing education. These may be helpful either for understanding the sources we have provided or for guiding your own learning.
Equal power relations at multiple levels
A curriculum that is focused on critical thinking and not just memorization
Includes gender/race-related material and discussion in ALL areas
Reduced time sensitivity/relaxed and flexible deadlines
Having advocates for BIPOC students in administration/advocates for marginalized students in general
Academic success is not quantifiable or universal (there are different kinds of intelligence that need to be acknowledged in schools)
Commitment and accountability of all students, faculty, staff, and administration (not the responsibility of one group)
Reduction or elimination of financial barriers (textbooks, enrollment/material fees, cost of higher education, etc)
Health and wellbeing of students and faculty takes top priority and should be treated as such