Native American Studies

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The Department of Native American Studies was established to provide and advance quality education for and about American Indians of Montana, the region, and the nation. In fulfilling this mission, the Department is committed to meet the changing needs of Montana's Indian tribes and all Montana citizens through excellence in teaching, research, and service. In its academic program, the department provides concentrated study through an undergraduate minor, the first online graduate certificate in Native American Studies offered, and a Master of Arts degree in Native American Studies. Students in any major can also gain a multicultural perspective through NAS offerings in the University's core curriculum. The Department, through its research and other creative efforts, actively pursues interdisciplinary scholarship in the field of Native American Studies.

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The effect of learning style of Native Americans on achievement in academic subject areas in Montana tribal colleges
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 1989) Atwell, Beverly Arlene
Because Native Americans have had difficulties in conventional college settings resulting in wide-spread attrition, this study investigated the effect of learning styles on achievement in subject areas of Native Americans in Montana tribal colleges. The Canfield Learning Style Inventory was administered to 693 students. A one-way analysis of variance was used to investigate the differences in achievement depending on learning style in each of eight subject areas of Liberal Arts, Science, Mathematics, Business, Vocational, Native American Studies, Developmental, and Physical Education. Tukey a priori post tests were performed on all significant differences. Significant differences at the .05 level were found in all eight subject areas. A total of 39 significant differences were found. These differences suggest that learning styles contribute to the success of the Native American student in all subject areas. Native American students should be made aware of learning style strengths, and should receive counseling on learning strategies. Instructors should use a variety of teaching methods. Overall conclusions suggest that since most students can learn, changes need to be made to teaching-learning methods, grading, and staff development. Areas for further research include similar studies with other ethnic and age populations, replication using larger samples in mathematics and science, and use of results along with learning strategies to counsel students to see if such counseling would produce better achievement.
A study of the effects of the implementation of small peer led collaborative group learning on students in developmental mathematics courses at a tribal community college
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2010) Hooker, Dianna Dawn Tiahrt; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Elisabeth Swanson
College students needing remediation in mathematics are a problem at nearly all colleges and universities but are immense at community colleges where large numbers of students enroll in developmental mathematics courses. This issue for Native American students at Tribal Community Colleges has an enormous effect on future opportunities in education, employment, politics and society. The overarching research question was: How does the implementation of small peer-led collaborative learning groups affect students in developmental mathematics courses at the Tribal Community College? To answer this question five sub-questions were addressed. What impact will the treatment have on: 1) completion, 2) perseverance, 3) demonstrated procedures of mathematics, 3) personal skills for success, and 4) the leaders' perceptions of the benefits associated with acting as small peer led collaborative group leader? This research study took place at a small Tribal Community College. The quasi-experimental, mixed methods study involved collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. The treatment class consisted of having the students work together on a workshop activity designed to be engaging, challenging and relevant for one class period each week in small peer-led collaborative learning groups. Peer leaders were chosen according to predetermined criteria. The peer leaders were trained to help guide the group in the direction of a solution and to help the group learn how to collaborate to achieve the best results. The control class was given the same workshop activity to work on, but not encouraged to work together nor assisted by a peer leader. Results of this research study show increased completion and perseverance rates. Students participating in the small peer-led collaborative groups were more likely to attempt mathematics. The attitude toward mathematics was the most drastic change; students now look forward to attending their mathematics class and spend more time out of class doing mathematics. Group leaders gained personal, academic and leadership skills. Detailed descriptions of the results are given. In conclusion, implications of the findings and how they may be used are provided for mathematics instructors, administrators and student support personnel are offered. Recommendations for further research are also suggested.
An analysis of tribal college student's backgrounds, motivations, and attitudes : the relationship to classroom retention
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2006) Thornton, Samuel David; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Betsy Palmer
The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between students' backgrounds, motivations, and attitudes and their academic successes or failures while enrolled in a single core level general education class at the Blackfeet Community College. The study examined indicators as identified in the literature and as identified through a pilot survey given to students at the Blackfeet Community College. A literature review yielded little research on student classroom retention in tribal colleges. The population for this study was n=113 students enrolled in core level academic courses. These students responded to a survey developed specifically for this study and were subsequently tracked through the semester to determine academic success or failure. The survey responses were then analyzed to determine which student indicators or groups of indicators were indicative of student academic success or failure. The significant findings of this study revealed that students who were academically unsuccessful were less likely to re-enroll in the next year. Specific indicators were identified to suggest that students who had not completed high school or their GED were at-risk. Male students without school-age children are more likely to be academically unsuccessful than female students without school-age children and female students with school-age children are more likely to be academically unsuccessful than male students with school-age children. Also identified as at-risk were students who did not drive themselves to campus.

Native American Studies

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