An Indigenous Assessment Framework - Kristine Dreaver-Charles

I designed this Indigenous assessment framework to be used for a University of Saskatchewan study abroad class in 2020 with Dr Michael Cottrell. It is with his encouragement and collaboration that this contribution to the scholarship of teaching and learning has been created. Our original intent was for students to use the assessment framework to self-assess their reflective writings about their study abroad experiences.

This decolonizing approach to assessment brings together both Indigenous worldviews and the University of Saskatchewan grading system consistent with the negotiation of epistemological third spaces. The premise of this assessment framework is to inspire students to consider and take ownership of their own learning and growth. The Cree language and cyclical perspectives of the Medicine Wheel give structure to this framework in a way that shifts university assessment and centres learners.

This framework is very much centred on my perspectives and experiences. I am hopeful that it will inspire many more peoples to design, develop, and decolonize assessment in a way that is reflective of their own Indigenous ways of knowing.

You are welcome to use this Indigenous assessment framework and t he H5P version which are both licensed with a Creative Commons: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike license.

References
Charles, J. B. Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Stanley Mission. Oral Teachings. Personal communications. 2020.
Johnson, D. (n.d.). The Six Seasons of the Woodland Cree. Saskatchewan Teacher's Federation. https://www.stf.sk.ca/resource_unit_plan/six-seasons-woodland-cree-lesson-support-science-10/
University of Saskatchewan. (n.d.). Understanding your grades. https://students.usask.ca/academics/grading/grading-system.php