Learning about place from Indigenous Elders: self-study in social studies education

Abstract

Purpose This paper explores the effects of land education on the practice of a White social studies teacher educator who wanted to teach about the ecological crisis. Design/methodology/approach The teacher educator used self-study methodology to analyze her experiences with local Indigenous leaders when she was a high school social studies teacher and currently as a social studies methods professor. Data sources included journals, field notes, course-related materials, and formal writings. Findings Through experiences, Indigenous leaders helped the teacher educator identify contrasting cultural paradigms to broaden her understanding of where she lives. This learning enabled the teacher educator to use the two paradigms in her teaching about place and the ecological crisis. Originality/value This research shows inner work that can position teacher educators to understand the value of Indigenous wisdom regarding place when teaching about the ecological crisis.