Recently, I was introduced to the First People’s Principles of Learning. I was intrigued by these principles, but they seemed kind of vague. However, what I didn’t understand was the depth to which each principle speaks to (probably because I had no context). One person who sought to explain and provide context for these principles is Jo Chrona. She produced an amazing amount of work on her blog explaining to the best of her ability what each principle meant on a contextual level.  After reading her blog, I was just in awe about the amount of wisdom that each principle represented. In addition, she made an activity to help people interact and reflect on each principle as well! Jo’s blog is an incredible resource that I know I will continue to use in my teaching future.

In my education class, we participated in Jo’s activity.  My group examined the principle:

 

Learning requires exploration of one’s identity.

 

What resonated most with me from Jo’s explanation the following quote:

“The exploration of one’s identity includes developing an understanding of one’s place in the world, in addition to being able to identify all the factors that contribute to how people see themselves. These factors include their strengths and their challenges, their innate abilities (gifts) and capacities to learn.”

What I thought from this, was that understanding the self give and what their strengths are it can be helpful for the teacher or self to where they can shine in groups will help make them feel like a valued member. One, of my group members also pointed out that in our western society, looking into yourself or self-explosion is viewed as being narcissistic, and maybe this is limiting our learners.  Rather than it is allowing us to be closer to who we are and this helping us to become a contributing member to our community.

Being from a science and psychology background, this principle brought up some questions on the effects of this on mental health. I wondered, if we fostered this principle in schools would we see less self doubt, negative self talk, higher confidence in kids because they are not trying to be “normal”. Also, if you could instill this into the younger kids, would it help them during their transition periods later in life.