Math and Science Instructors’ Perceptions of Their American Indian Students at a Sub-Baccalaureate Technical College: A Delphi Study

Abstract

Scholars have argued for many years that American Indian students have unique values, beliefs, attitudes, goals, and needs that instructors at the college level must take into account if they want their students to be successful (Jackson & Smith, 2001;James, 1992;O‘Brien, 1990;Pottinger, 1990;Scott, 1985;Swisher, 1994;Wilson, 1998). However, too few faculty members have understood, respected, and acted upon these needs, and their attitude has contributed to high non-completion rates among Native students (Dodd, Garcia, Meccage, & Nelson, 1995;Pewewardy & Frey, 2004;Tate & Schwartz, 1993).