Walking the Road of Learning: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Indigenous Youth Sunday Schoolers Educational Journey

Abstract

Self-doubt kills success. I used descriptive qualitative design in exploring the academic journey of Indigenous youth Sunday schoolers. Using a purposive sampling technique, I selected the participants for this study and conducted interviews with 10 Indigenous youth. I then analyzed the data gathered using thematic analysis. Guided by Self-Determination Theory, my study highlighted autonomy, competence, and relatedness as key dimensions of the academic journey of the indigenous students. Educators and school leaders may empower Indigenous leaners by adopting empathetic, culturally responsive, and inclusive practices that address their psychological, cultural, and socio-economic needs. Future research may use multiple linear regression and exploratory factor analyses to develop instruments examining autonomy, competence, and relatedness as predictors of self-determination of Indigenous youth as criterion variable.