Cross-Cultural Service Learning with Native Americans: Pedagogy for Building Cultural Competence

Abstract

This paper articulates a curricular approach that centers on a Native American service learning course. Social work students engaged in cross-cultural immersion on a reservation in the United States. By examination of historical United States policy impacting Indian tribes and contemporary experiences that challenge basic instruction in public schools, students were able to examine the social work profession's role in participation with and eradication of entrenched social problems. Implications for social work education include an examination of transformative learning theory and service learning pedagogy as tools for the creation of democratic civic engagement in social work leadership. A preliminary evaluation of the course suggests student growth in self-awareness, critical thinking, and cultural competency.