The Problem The mission and purpose of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibway Community College is to "provide opportunities for individual self-improvement in a rapidly changing technological world, while maintaining the cultural integrity of the Ojibwa". In recognition of this mission, courses must incorporate Ojibwa Language, Culture, and Tradition into class activities wherever possible. Specific activities relating to culture and tradition need to be included in the class schedule. Summer 2008

Evidence of Student Learning & Methods of Analysis I will be measuring the impact of storytelling, by a Native storyteller, on student learning by comparing case study solutions in Human Resources classes incorporating storytelling to those using teaching methods (lecture, discussion) other than storytelling. For each text chapter covered in the course, students will be given in-class time to provide a solution to a case study related to the material. A rubric will be used to grade the student's case study solutions. A comparison will be made between those case study solutions from classes incoporating storytelling to those case study solutions occuring in classes without the use of storytelling. For the spring semeseter Composition classes, student compositions and a corresponding rubric will be subsituted for the case studies and case study rubric. Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 Case study rubric

Project Summary We will be using storytelling as an approach to teaching and learning with students enrolled in a Human Resources Managment course and a Composition course at a tribal community college. This will involve partnering with an Ojibway storyteller durng the Fall semester 2008 and the Spring semester 2009 to enhance the teaching of human resource management and composition theory through the use of both traditional stories and stories from the storyteller's own work and life experience. Fall 2008 and Spring 2009

Annotated List of Helpful Resources & References Ambler, Marjane. (Spring 1995). We must learn to listen. Tribal College Journal, 8(4). 38-39 King, Thomas. (2005). The truth about stories: a native narrative. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis. Lordly, Daphne (Spring 2007). Once upon a time . . : storytelling to enhance teaching and learning. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research. 68(1). 30-35. Martin, Ann. (2007) Mini-portfolio on assessment of student learning. Unpublished PowerPoint. Peacock, Thomas D. (1997,Winter). Ways of learning: teacher's perspectives on American Indian learning styles. Tribal College Journal, 8(3). 36-39. Powell, R.G. & Caseau, D. (2004). Classroom communicationand diversity: enhancing instructional practice. Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaun Associates. Washburn, Frances. (2006). Storytelling: the heart of American Indian Scholarship. American Indian Culture and Research Journal, 30(4). 109-119 Fall 2008

Preliminary Results, Findings, Conclusions, & Implications There appears to be no measurable impact from the inclusion of storytelling in selected Human Resource Management classes. There is no evidence that case study solutions are enhanced or diminshed by the inclusion of the storytelling component. Class attendance has not varied between the classes where the storyteller is and is not present. Students have indicated they enjoy the storytelling. Tribal college administrators and other faculty have expressed interest in this study, the first of its' kind for LCOOCC. Two faculty teaching spring semester Composition courses have asked to be included in this study. This was recently agreed upon by all parties involved. Winter 2008 and Spring 2009

Career Relevance & Impact The most rewarding aspect of this project for me so far has been my partnership with Sean Fahrlander, an Ojibway storyteller. We are both enjoying this partnership and, in fact, are extending it into the next semester by working with two other LCOOCC faculty member sto incorporate storytelling into two Composition classes. These parternships and the interesting dialogue and relationships that have developed have greatly enhanced my teaching and learning, as well as my knowledge of Ojibway culture. Fall 2008