Laotian Hmong Students and American Education: Meeting Special Needs and Challenges.
Author(s):
Timm, Joan Thrower
Format:
Conference presentation
Publisher:
1994.
Language:
English
Abstract:
This ethnographic study explored Hmong cultural and educational values. The interview data revealed some Hmong values similar to mainstream American values such as a respect for hard work; a concern about personal honor; and honesty. Some values, however, were in conflict with dominant American values such as: a strong clan-oriented society; a tradition of arranged marriages; a belief in education for some but not all males in a family and a belief in extremely limited education for females. With regard to educational issues, the first challenge for educators is that of language. While Hmong parents valued education, they did not want their children to lose either their language or their culture which they viewed as interconnected. Suggestions for classroom procedures to follow and to avoid are discussed as well as issues concerning home/school relationships. Sex education, after-school activities, conferences and parent organizations were unfamiliar concepts to Hmong parents. Contains 14 references. (BF)