Interactive TIAHUI

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INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC

TIAHUI

a decolonial framework for pedagogy & practice

The term circulos, meaning “circles” in Spanish, is used to name the structure of the TIAHUI framework as an intentional acknowledgment of Indigenous ways of knowing. Countering a western, linear method of understanding history and the world, circulos embrace collective solidarity, balance, and cycles that overlap and inform each other. The TIAHUI framework includes three circulos to provide a structure for decolonizing pedagogy and practice. Together these three circulos inform and provide the foundation and structure for a decolonial approach to teaching and learning. Specifically, each circulo represents components of a decolonial ecology integral to an Ethnic Studies program or class.

TIAHUI's

circulos

PREVIOUS

NEXT

Click on each circulo to learn more

NEXT

PREVIOUS

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TIAHUI

interactive graphic

Click here to see an example of how TIAHUI can be embedded into a 5th grade Ethnic Studies classroom!

Click here to read the article about TIAHUI published by the XITO Collective in Ethnic Studies Pedagogies Journal!

• We understand that teaching is political and that traditional schooling reproduces inequity.
• We are critically conscious and encourage critical literacy development through praxis.
• We foster students’ critical consciousness towards transformation and liberation.

CRITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS

TEACHING

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When applying the tenet Teaching Critical Consciousness to an Ethnic Studies/Chicanx Studies framework:

• We co-construct learning spaces and facilitate processes wherein students will develop positive images of themselves.

• We facilitate the development of positive and fluid identities through processes of decolonization through an intersectional lens.

• We provide opportunities for students to consider all systems of oppression - including but not limited to race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, and national origin - in order to transform and improve the conditions for themselves and their communities.

IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT

INTERSECTIONAL

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When applying the tenet Intersectional Identity Development to an Ethnic Studies/Chicanx Studies framework:

• A Nahuatl concept meaning “four movements"
• a system of cultural relevance and responsiveness that seeks balance and harmony for self and community through curriculum and content.

NAHUI OLLIN

INNER CIRCULO:

Click the arrow button to learn more about each of the four movements

QUETZALCOATL

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• We practice solidarity with other racialized and marginalized groups through intersectional analysis and organizing.

• We support students on the importance of engaging in solidarity through praxis.
• We develop learning spaces that are community-responsive and are built upon community cultural wealth.

THROUGH COMMUNITY

UNITY

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When applying the tenet Unity Through Community to an Ethnic Studies/Chicanx Studies framework:

• We co-construct learning spaces with students to develop a critical historical literacy.
• We cultivate students’ development of a historical consciousness and historical memory.
• We facilitate the analysis of historical counter narratives in opposition to the dominant or master narrative.

DEVELOPMENT

HISTORICAL LITERACY

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When applying the tenet Historical Literacy Development to an Ethnic Studies/Chicanx Studies framework:

XIPE TOTEC

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• TIAHUI is the Indigenous framework for decolonial and culturally humanizing pedagogy and instruction composed of six tenets.
• A Nahuatl word and concept that means to move forward and is the essence of positive and progressive movement through developing our critical consciousness and a sense of agency.

TIAHUI

OUTER CIRCULO:

Click the arrow button to learn more about each of the six tenets

• We integrate students’ experiential knowledge through curriculum and instruction.
• We foster students’ sense of belonging.
• We recognize the importance of student dialogue in the development of conscientization.

THROUGH STUDENT-CENTERED INSTRUCTION

INTERCONNECTEDNESS

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When applying the tenet Interconnectedness Through Student-Centered Instruction to an Ethnic Studies/Chicanx Studies framework:

HUITZILOPOCHTLI

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TEZCATLIPOCA

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The center circulo represents the Community Agreements – all Mesoamerican Indigenous philosophies – that establish the humanizing culture and climate while setting high expectations for conduct and intellectual engagement.

COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS

CENTER CIRCULO:

Click the arrow button to learn more about each of the agreements

• We guide students in the process of examining relevant social, political, environmental and economic issues.

• We provide the conditions for students to develop agency to make change to the conditions impacting communities.

• We embed the local community’s vision of social justice into all aspects of the classroom and school site including the use of familial and community experts.

THROUGH CRITICAL PRAXIS

AGENCY

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When applying the tenet Agency Through Critical Praxis to an Ethnic Studies/Chicanx Studies framework: