Graduate Student Research Symposium 2025

Integration of culture-based education into the curriculum has consistently demonstrated an increase in student achievement and sense of belonging. The purpose of this qualitative study was to incorporate Native Hawaiian culture-based education into the classroom to increase students’ sense of belonging. Over a 4 week period, culturally relevant lessons were incorporated into an elementary Kindergarten classroom. Students received ‘āina-based lessons and instruction twice a week for about 30 minutes for each session. Lessons primarily focused on kalo, using two main moʻolelo (Hāloa origin story and My Kalo Has Lau, Big and Green). Data included writing prompts, class discussions, observations of students caring for the live plants, and sharing their knowledge with others. An overall increase in students’ sense of belonging was not a clear finding, students still developed a sense of belonging. Further implications are discussed and include ways to implement culture-based education and Na Hopena Ao into the general education classroom.