ʻĀina-based Math Seminar

Goals:

Participants will:

• Develop an understanding of the principles of place- and culture-based education

• Learn how a culture- or place-based curriculum can increase student engagement 

• Expand their knowledge of Hawaiʻi, its cultures, and its peoples

Format:

Each week will feature a guest presenter who will share insights on how to make teaching more engaging, relevant, and relatable to your students, emphasizing an ʻāina-based framework (culturally relevant and place-based, through an ʻike Hawaiʻi lens). In addition, we will go on huakaʻi to the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology and Ka Papa Loʻi o Kānewai. Participants will use these first-hand experiences to conceptualize ways to "bring" these places into their classrooms.

Outside the classroom, a major goal will be to develop lesson plans for math courses that incorporate what was learned in the seminar. Practical examples will be drawn from the topics in Calculus I. If there is sufficient interest, we may organize a departmental symposium in August for participants to present their work. 

Community principles:

To ensure all participants can fully participate in the seminar, a set of community principles will be decided upon at our first meeting. All participants will agree to abide by these principles at future meetings. The principles will be built upon the Hawaiian cultural values of:

• akahai (gentleness): We will assume good intentions from all participants.

• lōkahi (harmony): We will seek to understand other participants' perspectives and how they align with our own.

• ʻoluʻolu (courteousness): We will ensure that each participant has an opportunity to share their viewpoint.

• haʻahaʻa (humility): We recognize that we are all learners and will respect that every participant is an expert on their own experience.

• ahonui (patience): We understand that everyone learns and communicates differently; we will ensure everyone has the space to express themselves.