The Influences of Culture On Learning and Assessment Among Native American Students - Article Example

Cultural-Based Curriculum for Native American/Indian American Article Source Demmert, W. G. (2005). The influences of culture on learning and assessment among Native American students. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 20(1), 16-23. http://blogs.ubc.ca/dryan/files/2008/10/fulltext.pdf Research QuestionThe article seeks the reason why there is overrepresentation of the Native American students and other minority groups in the special education classes. The article also looks at the cultural influence in an individual’s life (Demmert, 2005).

The article further looks at the reality of the current research or assessment in attempt to answer the above research questions. Research ApproachThe author approaches the topic by citing data from the national data sources in regard to the achievement of the Native American students. He discusses assessment (in cultural perspective and principles) and gives personal experience on assessment. Research DesignThe author cites information from the national data sources regarding the achievement of the Native American students, and he discusses the principles of assessment and the cultural aspects of assessment.

He further uses personal experience to assist others in the reflection of cultural aspects of assessment. Key FindingsAssessment information, data gathered nationally on Native America and educational research is seriously limited. There is a lot to be learnt about the Native Americans and other minority students’ assessment and external influences such as environment, context, perspectives culture and attitudes. Priorities differ in different societies and they influence what the children learn and take as important; there is plenty of opinion and limited research that support this argument (Demmert, 2005).

ConclusionsThe author concludes by giving several considerations that have to be taken into account in the assessment of a Native American student. An example of such a consideration is the language of instruction and the language of home (Demmert, 2005). Usefulness of the ArticleIts Importance and 3 Points of RelevanceThe article is important because it provides information about the culturally-based curriculum for the Native American students. Three points of relevance; (a) it provides limelight into the present assessment of native students, (b) it attempts to show that the current assessment may be biased because it fails to take into account the influence of culture on the understanding of the world, variety of intelligence we possess, the learning context and the individual’s experiences and, (c) few studies have shown that culturally-based curriculum actually increases the achievement of native students.

Issues The external influences (such as environment, context, perspectives culture and attitudes) according to the author play a crucial role in the assessment of the Native American students. Rating The article can be rated 9 because the author provides useful information that can be used for further research in the determination of the influence of culturally-based curriculum on the achievements of the Native American student. Future Recommendations It is imperative for the future researchers to take into consideration the conclusions and key findings in this research for them to properly assess how the culturally-based curriculum can improve the academic achievement in Native American children.

ReferenceDemmert, W. G. (2005). The influences of culture on learning and assessment among Native American students. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 20(1), 16-23.