What is the difference between Hawaiian research and Western research methods?
Our students learn the Hawaiian language in the context in which it was developed, in outdoor education, with project-based learning, as in our Waipio water study, which involves stream restoration. Our students work with Bishop Museum scientists and learn to identify native species, for example, using the traditional vocabulary. We don’t teach math in Hawaiian because there are no traditional words for it–you’d have to make up new words. Our curriculum is relevant. We don’t use western textbooks, except for math. We start with our place, Hawai’i, and then go outward. It’s not just language, but the approach. The students are integrated as a multiage group like in a Hawaiian family; the oldest has responsibility for the younger. It’s wonderful to see, especially for our teenage boys who come in from public school thinking they have nothing to offer. When they read at their level, even a 1st grade level, to the little kids and see how they’re looked up to. We teach them to stand up stra
