The training of teachers for children in Davis Inlet as perceived by parents and educators

Abstract

This study focused on how suitable the teachers in a cross-cultural setting perceived their university teacher training program to be. The study also focused on parental perceptions of their children's teachers. A major purpose of the study was to elicit recommendations for improvements in the teacher training program of this Province for teachers who plan to teach the Innu children of Davis Inlet. -- The sample used in the study consisted of 15 present and former teachers who taught in Davis Inlet since 1975. The study also involved the perceptions of three native teacher aides who were actively involved in the school. They had been assigned teaching duties in grades 1 to 3 and were considered a part of the teaching staff. The study involved the perceptions of two coordinators from the Roman Catholic School Board's Central Office who had direct involvement with the school. A total of 20 educators that were responsible for the education of the Innu students were used in the study. The study also involved the perceptions of 39 Innu parents. -- Data were collected from two sources: a questionnaire that was conducted with the assistance of an Innu person who was fluent in the English language as well as the Innu language; and a questionnaire comprised of 30 structural items was mailed to educators who taught in Davis Inlet from 1975 to 1984. -- The study found that there was a need to provide a program either at university level or school level that would prepare teachers to teach the Innu children of Davis Inlet, Labrador. The program should maintain and reinforce the Naskapi values, customs and beliefs. The program should include the study of the Innu language and the teaching of English as a second language. -- The study also found that there existed a need to provide teachers of the Innu children with in-service training throughout the school year. These sessions should involve competent people in the field of cross-cultural and methodologies specific to the Innu of Davis Inlet.