| Summary: | This thesis attempts to define an effective model for developing educational programs
related to mining for communities in an iterative manner that speaks to the needs and
values of the community. The lessons learned provide direction on methods to replicate
an effective education program for communities. The success of a process that was used
to develop an education program in a mining context for a particular case has been
evaluated. Reasons for why learning does or does not transpire for this case were
explored.
A case study of the Tlicho community in Canada’s Northwest Territories was conducted
to investigate this query. A combination of theories, approaches, and methods were
utilized in the development of the education program, the collection and interpretation of
data, and the formation of key findings. The inquiry led to the following four key
conclusions:
1) Knowledge and understanding are effectively acquired by situating information as
primary experiences or through oral accounts by persons who have experienced.
2) The objects of learning for education programs must be valuable, useful, and
meaningful to the intended learners. Each individual must be given the autonomy
to decide what topics or concepts are appropriate for him or her. Thus, choice and
flexibility must be built into the programs. The “I am going to teach you...”
approach to education is less superior than a humble humanistic approach to
education.
3) The process to develop programs should involve cycles of action and reflection,
input from the intended learners, and repetition.
4) Assimilation of information occurs through the experience of knowledge that is
presented in culturally based frames informed by particular stories, experiences,
teachers, places, values, histories, and materials.
These conclusions provide some insight on how governments and mining companies can
and should engage with communities to learn. Enhanced knowledge and understanding
through learning by communities, governments, and mining companies, strengthen
relationships and agreements. When everybody’s knowledge and understanding
improves, better decisions can be made. === Applied Science, Faculty of === Mining Engineering, Keevil Institute of === Graduate
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