'Ndahoo'aah translates roughly to 'Re-learning/New Learning'.
'Ndahoo'aah seeks to explore educational objectives through a
format which teaches, respects and jointly develops both traditional
and modern skills. Throughout 'Ndahoo'aah, every opportunity is
given to build bridges between traditional and modern skills and
between Navajo and Anglo cultures. The idea is to create an environment
in which the traditional and the modern re-inforce each other
rather than clash.
In the process of learning these skills, students are provided
numerous opportunities to explore the world of mathematics and
to explore specific contexts in which mathematics has real-world
applications. The traditional crafts taught during 'Ndahoo'aah
have been the inherent carriers of mathematics in the Navajo culture
for many centuries. LOGO specifically, and computer programming
in general, are based firmly on logical structures and thinking
skills intimately related to mathematics. Thus, the students emerge
with an enhanced knowledge of mathematics and computer programming,
as well as an improved foundation for future study.
Students experience rich aspects of their culture, reinforcing
self-esteem and pride of heritage. At the same time, they explore
applications of modern technology which enhance knowledge and
understanding of these cultural treasures. Skills are developed
which lay the groundwork for future training and careers in a
wide variety of areas - from systems analysis or graphic design,
to artistic crafts or cultural museum work.
'Ndahoo'aah was designed loosely around a conceptual framework proposed by Professor Claudette Bradley (University of Alaska) in her articles :
In these articles, Dr. Bradley outlines the value of exercises
involving design of traditional crafts using the LOGO language.
This concept extended by adding concurrent training in the crafts
discussed in the articles. The 'Ndahoo'aah staff would like to
thank Dr. Bradley for the training she provided the LOGO instructors
who began the program in 1994.
'Ndahoo'aah is structured as a three-and-a-half week program.
The first days are to orient the students to 'Ndahoo'aah, the
crafts being offered and LOGO, as well as give the students a
chance to give preferences for creating groups. The goal of the
first week is to learn basic skills in LOGO and the chosen craft.
The second week is meant for re-creating an existing craft design
in LOGO, while continuing to develop a craft project under the
supervision of the Elders. The third week is geared toward student-created
designs, both in LOGO and the craft classroom.
In 1996, we had approximately 45 students who we split into four
groups of eight to twelve students. (In 1995, the program had
40 students.) The crafts that were offered for 1994 through1996
were :
We had two groups of rug weaving and one each for the other
crafts. In future years, we hope to expand the range of crafts
offered to the students to include other traditional Navajo crafts.
Each day was broken into two working sessions: 8:00am to 10:00am,
and 10:00am to Noon. From 8:00am to 10:00am, two groups worked
with LOGO instructors in the Tech Center while the other groups
worked with the Elders in the craft classrooms. At 10:00, the
groups switched between the Tech Center and the classrooms.
LOGO teachers would move with their groups of students from the
Tech Center to the craft classroom. In the classroom, the LOGO
teachers acted as students of the craft and teaching assistants
for the Elders. The Elders were encouraged to do the same during
LOGO instruction. Even though many of these older women had spent
little or no time in front of a computer, they worked to overcome
their fears and created many designs with the help of LOGO instructors
or by themselves.