First Peoples Principles of Learning

The First Peoples Principle of Learning, learning involves patience and time can be described by Jo Chrona that “this principle reflects the awareness that knowledge and understanding is built over time, often requiring a recursive approach to teaching and learning. It reflects the understanding that Indigenous knowledge is the result of centuries of learning and teaching by Indigenous peoples” 

Learning is a lifelong journey that requires patience. Every student will learn at their own pace. learning is “an individualistic process that cannot be rushed or arrived at according to a pre-determined schedule” (Jo Chrona Blog). True learning that moves passed memorization happens when students are given the space and time to learn and build connections. The principle of patience and time looks at the learning process rather than solely focusing on marks and grades that don’t move learning passed memorization. For students to grasp new abstract concepts educators should allow students to re-visit concepts various times through different contexts and multiple perspectives. Learning can only happen when a person is ready for it, it isn’t something that can be forced. As educators by being flexible and allowing our students to learn through multiple perspectives and authentic contexts we can provide our students with the patience and time they deserve and require to learn. 

How can we demonstrate patience and time in our classrooms?

Educators can model patience by taking the time to actively listen to their students and respond with genuine kindness and understanding. Teachers should avoid rushing students and allow them the space to express themselves and demonstrate their learning. Being a teacher can be a high stress job, but it is important that we are aware and regulate our stress and frustration that might arise in the classroom to create a positive safe classroom culture. Educators can model time by allowing students to have an appropriate amount of time to grasp and understand new concepts and ideas. This can look by revisiting a concept multiple times and providing it through different perspectives.