Transforming Academic Literacy: Centering Indigenous Identities in the Classroom
This article explores the transformational potential of centering indigenous identities and heritage within academic literacy instruction in higher education. The dominance of Eurocentric pedagogies in higher education has often marginalized African epistemologies and cultural narratives, limiting s...
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| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Genealogy |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2313-5778/9/1/19 |
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| author | Oscar Eybers |
| author_facet | Oscar Eybers |
| author_sort | Oscar Eybers |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This article explores the transformational potential of centering indigenous identities and heritage within academic literacy instruction in higher education. The dominance of Eurocentric pedagogies in higher education has often marginalized African epistemologies and cultural narratives, limiting students’ engagement and sense of belonging. Drawing on examples such as the Ma’at and Tewahedo traditions, this work argues that academic literacy should embrace Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the cultural capital students bring to the classroom. By integrating indigenous identities into disciplinary discourses, educators can create more inclusive learning environments that challenge historical power dynamics and elevate marginalized voices. This analysis highlights practical strategies for educators to foster critical thinking, reading, and writing while affirming students’ identities. Ultimately, this article demonstrates that activating Indigenous Knowledge Systems can create classrooms that are inclusive and reflective of African identities. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e20e441ff2344afdac82fe91d69ba1a0 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2313-5778 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Genealogy |
| spelling | doaj-art-e20e441ff2344afdac82fe91d69ba1a02025-08-20T02:11:23ZengMDPI AGGenealogy2313-57782025-02-01911910.3390/genealogy9010019Transforming Academic Literacy: Centering Indigenous Identities in the ClassroomOscar Eybers0Unit for Academic Literacy, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Private Bag x 20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South AfricaThis article explores the transformational potential of centering indigenous identities and heritage within academic literacy instruction in higher education. The dominance of Eurocentric pedagogies in higher education has often marginalized African epistemologies and cultural narratives, limiting students’ engagement and sense of belonging. Drawing on examples such as the Ma’at and Tewahedo traditions, this work argues that academic literacy should embrace Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the cultural capital students bring to the classroom. By integrating indigenous identities into disciplinary discourses, educators can create more inclusive learning environments that challenge historical power dynamics and elevate marginalized voices. This analysis highlights practical strategies for educators to foster critical thinking, reading, and writing while affirming students’ identities. Ultimately, this article demonstrates that activating Indigenous Knowledge Systems can create classrooms that are inclusive and reflective of African identities.https://www.mdpi.com/2313-5778/9/1/19indigenous identitiesacademic literacyhigher educationEurocentrism |
| spellingShingle | Oscar Eybers Transforming Academic Literacy: Centering Indigenous Identities in the Classroom Genealogy indigenous identities academic literacy higher education Eurocentrism |
| title | Transforming Academic Literacy: Centering Indigenous Identities in the Classroom |
| title_full | Transforming Academic Literacy: Centering Indigenous Identities in the Classroom |
| title_fullStr | Transforming Academic Literacy: Centering Indigenous Identities in the Classroom |
| title_full_unstemmed | Transforming Academic Literacy: Centering Indigenous Identities in the Classroom |
| title_short | Transforming Academic Literacy: Centering Indigenous Identities in the Classroom |
| title_sort | transforming academic literacy centering indigenous identities in the classroom |
| topic | indigenous identities academic literacy higher education Eurocentrism |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2313-5778/9/1/19 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT oscareybers transformingacademicliteracycenteringindigenousidentitiesintheclassroom |