Why should I pursue a B.Ed. in Indigenous Adult Education?
Recent developments in Indigenous post-secondary education/training at Canadian universities and community colleges, the vibrant expansion of Indigenous institutes, as well as initiatives between the Federal, and Provincial governments and First Nation governance speaks of a changing reality in Indigenous education. Associated to this is a continued devolution of responsibilities to First Nations and the progress towards Indigenous self-government. Indigenous adults are participating in upgrading, post-secondary education and training in unprecedented numbers, while rediscovering and integrating the traditional beliefs, spirituality and associated ceremony into their lives. This emerging reality suggests a growing need for qualified and well-grounded faculty, trainers, administrators, counsellors and support personnel to facilitate education and training conducive 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?
First and foremost, this is an online adult education program that eliminates your need to travel long distances to go to school and is completed on a part-time basis allowing you to stay employed and take care of your family’s needs 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. The degree requires that students complete the five core courses along with ten additional credits for a 15-credit pass undergraduate degree. Students can apply to have transfer credits awarded or apply for a letter of permission to take a course at another institution.
Please see information under Degree Program and Certificate Program. Please note that this program does not lead to a Ontario Teachers Certificate.
Will I receive credit for previous post-secondary education?
Transfer credits are determined by the Admissions Office.
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 Outlook TEAMS site.
As a registered Brock student, what privileges am I entitled to?
All students will receive a Brock University student card entitling them to all university undergraduate privileges, including library privileges at Brock and other universities and complete gym privileges at Brock.
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?
Contact the Student Wellness & Accessibility Centre for assistance. For academic support contact Student Life and Success. Learner Services including writing supports are available.
Plan the selection and sequence of core and elective courses you may need to complete your degree. The Indigenous Adult Education Academic Advisor can be reached by email at s[email protected].
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.
When does the program start?
The following chart shows the timetable for how the courses will normally be offered:
When do the courses begin?
Sept. to Dec: ABED 4F84
Jan. to April: ABED 4F85
Apr. May to July Aug.: ABED 4F86
Sept. to Dec.: ABED 4F87
Jan. to Apr.: ABED 4F88
There may be specific needs that will require deviating from this timetable. Those needs will be addressed on an individual basis.
How do I apply?
Application is easy. The steps to apply are outline above. You can also call us at 905 688 5550 3530 and we’ll provide the necessary information to get you started.
What if I need to talk to a real person?
No problem, contact Sarah McGean on 905 688 5550 x3530 or you can email Sarah McGean at [email protected] or [email protected].
