Innovating the iSchool Classroom: Piloting a hybrid model for Indigenizng graduate pedagogy

The purpose of the Innovating the iSchool Classroom: Piloting a hybrid model for Indigenizing graduate pedagogy is to transform graduate education at UBC’s iSchool. The goal is to develop a hybrid teaching model that centres the 4Rs – respect, relevance, reciprocity, responsibility – integrating Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum and creating equitable hybrid classroom environments. This project responds to Indigenous student requests for flexible, reciprocal, learning environments and more inclusive, decolonized academic experience. It will pilot three redesigned MLIS core courses, blending online and in-person learning (supporting Indigenous students to participate from community), while incorporating Indigenous methodologies and community engagement. The project will involve faculty training, curriculum support, collaboration with Indigenous students and advisors, active student participation in course design and evaluation. Outcomes include enhanced student learning, increased cultural competency, increased access to graduate education for Indigenous students, scalable resources to support long-term curriculum renewal at the iSchool and UBC.

Elizabeth Shaffer, Assistant Professor, Information, Faculty of Arts
Kaykaitkw Harron Hall, MLIS/MAS Graduate Student, Information, Faculty of Arts
st̓aʔqwalqs Hailey Causton, MLIS/MAS Graduate Student, Information, Faculty of Arts
Amy Perreault, Associate Director, Indigenous Initiatives, Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology / Manager, First Nations Curriculum Concentration, Information, Faculty of Arts
Richard Arias-Hernandez, Associate Professor, Information, Faculty of Arts
Kim Lawson, Research and Community Liaison Librarian, Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
Paige Hohmann, Archives and Records, Special Collections, UBC Okanagan Library
Lisa Nathan, Associate Professor, Information, Faculty of Arts