Blackfoot archaeology dig

Indigenous Education

Werklund School researchers are re-examining the methods and theories that have shaped teaching and learning for generations, while historically marginalizing Indigenous people and perspectives. Today,  many of our scholars are working towards a curriculum in which all people belong. In their research, they are incorporating different ways of knowing, being and doing, all essential to the process of decolonizing and Indigenizing education.

Werklund School researchers explore impact of land-based learning experiences on undergraduate education students

Photo of rolling hills

Meet our experts

  • Jennifer D. Adams
  • Patricia Danyluk
  • Karlee Fellner
  • Aubrey Hanson
  • Elisa Lacerda-Vandenborn
  • Gregory Lowan-Trudeau
  • Ahstanskiaki (Sandra) Manyfeathers
  • Yvonne Poitras Pratt
  • Meadow Schroeder
  • David Scott
  • Erin Spring
  • Phyllis Steeves 
  • Shirley Steinberg
  • Indigenous Leadership
  • Indigenous Studies

Research topics:

Researchers at the Werklund School are addressing how curriculum can transform ways of thinking about schooling, knowledge, and teaching and learning, while encompassing issues of content, context and teaching in both formal and non-formal educational settings. 

At the Werklund School, we are researching strategies to better understand and improve young children's learning and development as a foundation critical for continued prosperity throughout their schooling.

Werklund researchers are fostering more diverse learning communities through addressing challenges in and outside of schools, and sharing the voices of the students, teachers, school psychologists and counselling psychologists working to eradicate conditions that have historically marginalized vulnerable populations.

Werklund School researchers are re-examining the methods and theories that have shaped teaching and learning for generations, while historically marginalizing Indigenous people and perspectives. Today,  many of our scholars are working towards a curriculum in which all people belong. In their research, they are incorporating different ways of knowing, being and doing, all essential to the process of decolonizing and Indigenizing education.

Researchers at Werklund are exploring communication through the multi-faceted dimensions of literacy, and linguistic and cultural diversity, especially as they relate to different forms of expression, including print, visual, oral, and gestural texts, as well as new literacies and digital media.

Leadership researchers at the Werklund School are analysing and resolving educational policy and leadership issues specifically related to the direction and management of schools, school systems, post-secondary institutions, and both governmental bodies as well as non-governmental organizations concerned with public and private education.

At Werklund, researchers are advancing the holistic needs of children, ensuring they thrive from child to adolescent and into emergent adult, in their schools, homes and communities at large. From early learning, to social emotional learning, and in consideration of neurodiversity, researchers are redefining how teachers, school psychologists and counselling psychologists support lifelong learners.

Werklund School researchers are doing pioneering work in the area of neurodiversity, studying developmental cognitive neuroscience, neurodevelopmental disorders, early experience and brain development.

Researchers at Werklund are exploring the relationships between education and economic, political and cultural systems, as they seek new ways to understand and address social and economic inequality, gender and race relations, multiculturalism, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, sustainability, globalization and colonialism.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are among the foundational building blocks of education. At Werklund, researchers are reimagining these core subjects while developing teaching and learning initiatives that are responsive to and reflective of the rapid changes requiring societies to be more nimble and adaptable.

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As Albertans continue to demand their provincial government hit pause on the questionable K-6 curriculum, Dr. Yvonne Poitras Pratt, joins a panel of experts to unpack what's problematic about the draft, why, and what citizens can do about it.

Community Engagement in Action

Community Engagement in Action

Werklund School of Education academics join members of the community to discuss the importance of community integration and community

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Historical images open door to sharing

Werklund School researcher employs archival photographs to document stories of residential school survivors

Indigenous Literatures for Learning

New UCalgary resource helps Canadian K-12 teachers bring Indigenous storytelling into the classroom

Interactive website project led by Werklund School scholars sought broad input from a diverse team of educators with connections to diverse communities

Elders' Room

Blackfoot Elder and granddaughter share personal stories in documentary short

Award-winning Elders’ Room explores the intergenerational impact of residential schools

nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up

Award-winning film invites conversation, demands response to systemic racism

Werklund School of Education hosts 'nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up' documentary and discussion with director and family of Colten Boushie, March 30

Path

Despite pandemic and rising tensions, reconciliation must continue

Education about racial injustice more important than ever, writes Yvonne Poitras Pratt, Werklund School of Education, for Academica Forum

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