Course Reflection — Strong Helpers’ Teachings (CSWP 925)

April 13, 2018

Coming to this course as someone who does not identify as Indigenous and not from a social work background, I did not quite know what to expect but was committed to being open to new learning with the hope of improving my professional practice as an educator. My goal with enrolling for the Aboriginal Knowledges and Experiences certificate last Fall was to deepen my knowledge and awareness about Indigenous communities, and investigate the history that informs current tensions with non-Indigenous Canadians. Growing up in Brampton and attending Catholic school, I had very limited exposure to Indigenous issues in my education. It was not until attending university that I had more of an awareness of Indigenous communities and ways of knowing. Through my work in post-secondary student support, I became more aware of the importance of culturally-appropriate support and community among Indigenous folks. Considering Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory as well as what we have learned about Anti-Oppressive Practice, I will reflect on my learning from this course, and discuss how I can apply this learning personally and professionally.

Theories I Am Drawing From

From my background in Student Affairs, previous training and coursework, I am familiar with a learning theory by David Kolb which…