Frequently Asked Questions: B.Ed. in Indigenous Adult Education

Why should I pursue a B.Ed. in Indigenous Adult Education?

Recent developments in Indigenous post-secondary education and training at Canadian universities and colleges, the vibrant expansion of Indigenous institutes, and collaborative initiatives involving federal and provincial governments and First Nations governments speak to a changing reality in Indigenous education. Associated with this transformation is the continued devolution of responsibilities to First Nations and ongoing progress toward Indigenous self-government. Indigenous adults are participating in academic upgrading, post-secondary education, and training in unprecedented numbers while rediscovering and integrating traditional beliefs, spirituality, and associated ceremonies into their lives. This emerging reality suggests a growing need for qualified and culturally grounded faculty, trainers, administrators, counsellors, and support personnel to facilitate education and training that is responsive to the learning needs of Indigenous adult learners.

Upon completion of degree requirements

Students will acquire understandings of self and relational identity, teaching methods grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, student characteristics and needs as shaped by community, land, and culture, and the organizational structures and influences that impact Indigenous education. They will further develop an awareness of change and growth as cyclical and interconnected processes, strengthen critical and reflective thinking grounded in ethical relationality, build skills in land and community-informed curriculum development, cultivate habits of lifelong learning as a responsibility to self and community, and demonstrate foundational research skills aligned with Indigenous methodologies and respectful engagement protocols.

What’s distinctive about this program?

This is an online adult education program that eliminates your need to travel long distances to go to school and can be completed on a part-time basis, allowing you to balance your professional and educational life with your personal needs and responsibilities.

The program is also designed to address the unique circumstances of the Indigenous adult learner and includes:

  • Advanced standing for university degrees and college diplomas
  • Small class sizes that acknowledge Indigenous learning preferences
  • Cultural protocols that are imbedded in the learning experience
  • Indigenous Instructors who will work with you and your fellow learners throughout the program
  • Culturally specific support services to assist you over the rough spots
  • Curriculum that balances Indigenous ways of knowing with mainstream ways of knowing
  • A degree that is formally recognized

Who does the program serve?

If you are currently working with or would like to work with Indigenous adults in education, training, health or community development then this program is for you!

How does the program work?

The five core courses; ABED 4F84, ABED 4F85, ABED 4F86, ABED 4F87 and ABED 4F88, are offered consecutively over five semesters. Each course carries the value of one full university credit. Program B requires that students complete the five core courses along with ten additional credits for a 15-credit pass undergraduate degree, while students looking at Program A or the Certificate will only have to complete the five core courses. Students can apply to have transfer credits awarded or apply for a letter of permission to take a course at another institution.

Please note that this program does not lead to a Ontario Teachers College Certificate of Qualification.

Will I receive credit for previous post-secondary education?

Transfer credits are determined by the Admissions Office. Contact [email protected] for more information.

What if I don’t meet the formal admission requirements?

We now offer the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) pathway for admission into the Indigenous Adult Education program, which allows incoming students to be admitted to the program and receive University credit based on their prior learning and lived experiences. The PLAR process is facilitated by the Admissions department. More information on this pathway can be found on the admissions website.

What are the classes like?

Each course is a full credit accelerated course consisting of 12 fulsome modules equivalent to 6 class hours per week, meeting the full credit expectation of 72 course hours. All modules are posted on the course site in Brightspace.
Included in each course are 3 required synchronous sessions, to facilitate relationship building and collaboration. Students are expected to participate in these. These are held on Brock’s Microsoft Teams site.

As a registered Brock student, what privileges am I entitled to?

All students will receive a Brock University student ID entitling them to all university undergraduate privileges including library access, student supports, access to Brock’s fitness and recreation facilities, and more!

What are the fees?

Before the start of the term, you would be charged for each course for which you have registered. The tuition for each full-credit course is currently $1217.88 (subject to change). Tuition for elective courses, which are half-credit, is $608.94 each (subject to change). Most of our courses are ZTC (zero text cost) to students, meaning that resources are available through Brock University Library digital repositories and access is included in regular tuition fees. In courses that still have an associated text, the material may be purchased for $50-$100 depending upon the text. The most current information on tuition and other fees may be found at:

https://brocku.ca/safa/2022-undergraduate-tuition-and-fees/#1648570447276-7a6c9db4-4546

See the SAFA page for more details on tuition. Student Accounts & Financial Aid

Is this a part-time or full-time program?

Full-time
A student enrolled in three or more credits over the Fall/Winter Session.
A student enrolled in three credits over the Spring and Summer Sessions.

Part-time
A student enrolled in less than three credits over the Fall/Winter Session.
A student enrolled in less than three credits over the Spring and Summer Sessions.

Full-time students are expected to enroll in five credits (2.5 per term) during the Fall/Winter Session. Students normally enroll in a maximum of two credits during the Spring Session and one credit during the Summer Session. A student wishing to exceed normal course loads must obtain the permission of the Dean of their chosen major. Permission will normally be granted only if a student has completed five credits with at least second-class (70 percent) standing.

Special students, including students on a Letter of Permission and post-degree students, not proceeding towards a Brock degree, are normally restricted to part-time studies.

What if I need help during my studies?

Brock offers a variety of health, wellness, academic, and cultural supports that students of the Indigenous Adult Education program are entitled to access. The following are some of the services at Brock that are here to help you during your studies:

Will this degree be sufficient to enter a Master’s program?

The Brock B.Ed. in Indigenous Adult Education program is a recognized and accredited program and qualifies a person to apply for Master’s programs. Each university has its own policies which govern admission procedures; therefore, it would be important to find out what policies exist for any university that one might be interested in applying to.

How do I apply?

Applications are now facilitated through and processed by the Admissions department at Brock. The type of application you submit depends on various factors such as whether you are a returning or new student, if you’re applying to other institutions, or if you have transfer credit from previous post-secondary studies. If you would like to speak to someone about the entry requirements for the program and see how your specific background fits into an application, please reach out to [email protected].

I have more questions. Who can I contact?

No problem, our administrative team is happy to answer any questions over the phone or through email. You can find our contact information below.

Taryn DiNova-Owl
Administrative Assistant
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (905) 688-5550 x 5989

Lily Rees
Academic Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (905) 688-5550 x 5066