Sky Kanott - Cherokee Youth Council speaks about working with Cherokee P...

This video give us great insight from the perspective of the Cherokee youth:

Chapter 2. Learning Environments and Learning Concepts

     Learning environments and Learning concepts is a vast subject. I appreciate the identified ways of learning outside of the traditional classroom proposed by Coombs (1985). He identifies three types of settings, formal, informal and nonformal. The most fascinating area of adult learning, for me, comes in the ways we teach others who are different than we are. I love that the authors offer ways to develop alternative programs, especially for international development. I have always been concerned with the way that teaching can disturb or alter a culture.

            Although, there are some government programs, there are also some nongovernment programs (NGO) that are privately funded. This can be a great thing to raise awareness in a culture or group of people who need education on health practices and ways to reduce harm. However, in cultures in which the people are happy, healthy and meeting their own needs, I become concerned for the agenda of the educators.

It was exciting to read that many programs that are designed to teach adults in indigenous cultures are utilizing the traditional ways of learning that are implemented in that culture. For example, in Africa, there is a tribe in which the women sing the tribal knowledge to others and the educators teach the women new concepts and ideas and they teach it in their traditional way. This shows great respect for the culture and empowers the culture to decide what new information they want to bring to their people.

Merriam, S. B., Caffarella, R. S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2007). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide. 3^rd ed. CA: Jossey-Bass