Decision to Transform: Experiences of College Instructors at the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu to Embrace Hawaiian Culture Based Education

Abstract

This qualitative, phenomenological study examined the impact of the Pūkoʻa Kani ʻĀinagrant project that provided eight instructors at the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu a professional development opportunity. This study examined how theeight, representing the Mathematical, Natural and Health Science [BSNS, STEM Degrees] Division, were offered workshop courses, collaborative discussions, and mentoringon how to infuse Hawaiian culture, knowledge and language into their teaching of Science, Health, or Math. The results of this study found that these participants decided to incorporate ʻike, ʻōlelo and nohona Hawaiʻi into their curriculum, instruction, and assessment based on: the utility of the Moenahā framework, through collaboration, based on a desire and willingness to make a change in their teaching, and a shift their teaching dispositions from one centered on the delivery of content to one focused on student learning.