Journal of American Indian Education
Abstracts — 1988

#410
TO DRINK OR NOT TO DRINK: THE INDIAN ADOLESCENTS' CHOICE BETWEEN FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Yoshimitsu Takei; Patrick Lynch; G. Mike Charleston Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 1-9, Jan. 1988

According to the article, the study focused on families as a unit of analysis for the inquiry on contrasting socialization of teenagers in families and peer groups in different Indian communities. According to the article, four sites with substantial Indian populations were utilized in the upper Midwestern section of the United States; two rural areas close to a large city, a metropolitan area, and a large reservation located several hundred miles from the city. The authors conclude that "those who drink tend to be youths who report less affectionate ties to their parents, consider their friends to be very important in their lives, and claim to do things without consulting their parents. The image this description evokes is that of a teenager who is rejecting parental authority. . . Therefore, teenagers might drink even if they know drinking (or using drugs) can have negative consequences on their health."

#411
BEYOND SEGREGATION OR INTEGRATION: A CASE STUDY FROM EFFECTIVE NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATION
Linda Pertusati Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 10-20, Jan. 1988

The article analyzes rural schools with Native American students to determine if a minority-controlled educational institution can be academically effective, and if a bicultural academic program can be effective within a desegregated school environment. The article discusses (1) theoretical considerations of segregated and desegregated education, (2) theoretical considerations of current Native American Education, (3) methods, demographics and program of the case study, (4) human inputs affecting the program, (5) educational quality and academic effectiveness, and (6) "Success and Constraint: Why Does The System Work So Well?" According to the author, most of the "theoretical arguments over segregation and desegregation and cultural isolation are considered as dichotomous absolutes--juxtaposed ideal types. In these analyses segregated education is conceptualized (1) on white standards and ideology, and (2) on political relations of power. Thus, concerns about politics and culture override considerations of educational effectiveness and ignore attributes of the minority culture."

#412
HOLISTIC TEACHING/LEARNING FOR NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS
Robert W. Rhodes Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 21-29, Jan. 1988

The article begins by stating that "additional argument and possibilities for curricular changes are needed" to implement a different learning/teaching methodology in the educational system. The article discusses (1) current status of Indian education, (2) need for change, (3) Native American Learning style (story telling and group argumentative process), (4) teaching styles, (5) learning environment, and (6) curricular concepts. The author concludes, by "providing some techniques which consider different learning styles for different students [haptic, right brained and holistic], the teacher could develop strategies which would increase the likelihood of success for more students. In this manner, even awareness will increase sensitivity and lead toward an increase of positive student growth."

#413
MATHEMATICS-LIKE PRINCIPLES INFERRED FROM THE PETROGLYPHS
Charles G. Moore Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 30-36, Jan. 1988

The author identifies the possibility of providing a rationale for the hypothesis: Elements of mathematics-like thought can be inferred through a study of the petroglyphs by using the principles of abstract mathematics: (1) iteration, (2) recursion, (3) similitude, (4) tiling, (5) symmetry. In conclusion, the author suggests four classroom activities utilizing the principles discussed in the article.

#414
COMPARISONS OF CAREER MATURITY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Dennis K. West Vol. 27, No. 3, pp. 1-7, May 1988

Examines career maturity and academic achievement among 30 American Indian and 39 non-Indian college students. Finds strong positive correlations between grade point average and career maturity for freshman and sophomore Indians and freshman non-Indians, but not for the total sample or either ethnic group overall.

#415
A STUDY OF NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS IN A PREDOMINANTLY WHITE COLLEGE
Ruey-Lin; Deborah LaCounte; Jeanne Eder Vol. 27, No. 3, pp. 8-15, May 1988

Examines feelings of alienation, attitudes toward college and teachers, academic achievement, and expectation of graduation among 87 American Indian and 508 White students at a predominantly White college. Concludes that alienation is common among American Indian students and affects grade point average more than other factors studied.

#416
BEYOND THE COMMON GROUND: CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE INDIAN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
Steve Pavlik Vol. 27, No. 3, pp. 16-23, May 1988

Reviews research findings on the characteristics of effective school principals, and relates these findings to the unique challenges of American Indian education. Suggests personality traits, leadership style, behaviors, and skills needed to be an effective leader in an Indian school.

#417
THE GREAT LEARNING ENTERPRISE OF THE FOUR WORLDS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Richard Fiordo Vol. 27, No. 3, pp. 24-34, May 1988

Describes a holistic Native Studies curriculum for ethnically mixed classes, based on a project to eliminate Native substance abuse through traditional Native values. Discusses teaching strategies using Native and non-Native learning styles, teacher as role model, and use of appropriate cultural-symbol graphics to transmit ideas.

#418
COMPUTERS AND WRITING
Robert Hymer Vol. 27, No. 3, pp. 35-41, May 1988

A project to improve the writing abilities of Indian students through the use of microcomputers and a "writing process" model of instruction has been implemented at Pine Hill School on the Ramah Navajo Reservation. In a one-year pretest-posttest study of writing improvement, writing samples from project students and students at another Indian school which relied on conventional methods of writing instruction were scored holistically. Results support the conclusion that the combination of computers and the process model can bring about beneficial changes in the development of writing abilities at Indian schools.

#419
ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS
Pauline Rindone Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 1-8, Oct. 1988

A questionnaire was mailed to 200 randomly selected Navajos who had attained at least a four year college degree; 107 questionnaires were returned. The questionnaire consisted of questions relating to family characteristics, educational background, socioeconomic status, language information and demographic data. The results indicate that most of the respondents had parents who were born on the reservation, spoke primarily Navajo, considered their families to be mainly traditional, and had income levels ranging from $1,000 - $10,000. Their own motivation and encouragement from family were given as the most important factors contributing to their high educational attainment.

#420
LEADERSHIP AND AMERICAN INDIAN VALUES: THE TRIBAL COLLEGE DILEMMA
Elgin Badwound; William Tierney Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 9-15, Oct. 1988

This article demonstrates the need for research in organizational governance and decision making which takes into account the values of American Indian culture. The predominant model of organizational governance and decision making in higher education (rational) is analyzed within the context of tribally-controlled community colleges. The assumptions upon which the rational model is based conflict with the values that underlie the tribal college mission. We argue that the model provides an inadequate framework for predicting behavior in tribal colleges. As a result, an alternative organizational framework is proposed, and further avenues for investigation are discussed.

#421
THE IMPLICATION OF STRING FIGURES FOR AMERICAN INDIAN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
Charles G. Moore Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 16-26, Oct. 1988

The objective of the study is to investigate the hypothesis: "The members of preliterate tribes were capable of mathematical thought and through the invention and mastery of string figures their mathematical capabilities found an avenue of expression." The basis of the interrelation between string figures and mathematics is based upon the definition of mathematics by Courant and Robbins which asserts that mathematical thought is characterized by three elements: logic and intuition, analysis and construction, and generality and individuality. The invention and construction of string figures are shown to possess all of these elements of mathematical thought.

#422
THE CIRCLE OF LEARNING AT KICKAPOO
Victor L. Dupuis; Margery W. Walker Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 27-33, Oct. 1988

The Kickapoo Nation School in Powhatten, Kansas currently operates a Title IV open education curriculum in grades seven to twelve. The project emphasizes a Circle of Learning philosophy adapted from the Indian Circle of Life and stresses a humanistic learning environment for improvement of basic life skills and cultural enrichment. All students have I.E.P.'s and follow an individualized mastery learning model. Active community involvement is an integral part of the total program. Initial student progress, measured by the California Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) and the Diagnostic Achievement Battery (DAB), show gains being made in reading, writing and mathematics.

#423
A SURVEY: ATTITUDES TOWARD THE EDUCATION OF AMERICAN INDIANS
John W. Tippeconnic III Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 34-36, Oct. 1988

Presents some raw data from a 1987-88 national survey of 57 American Indian educators. Tabulates responses concerning educator perceptions of important current problems facing American Indian education, improvement/worsening of American Indian education, and the extent of current meaningful research.