Multimedia Curriculum Development Based on the Oval Tradition

Abstract

Responsiveness to cultural background has become a dominant theme associated with efforts to increase the effectiveness of human service delivery, both in educational and medical settings (Battle, 2002). As a consequence, service providers are in need of educational materials that accurately portray cultural factors impacting their interactions with members of culturally diverse groups. To address the need for materials pertinent to indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest (American Indians and Alaska Natives), an interactive, multimedia educational unit, titled “Diverse Voices: Native Perspectives in Human Service Delivery,” was developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Education (HO29K70133). A collaborative endeavor among faculty and students at Washington State University in partnership with members of nearby indigenous communities, this project sought to provide an information source for non-indigenous students and professionals, while simultaneously using a culturally congruent pedagogy — the oral tradition.