INDIGENOUS
E D U C AT I O N A L
S T R AT E G Y
P R E S E N TAT I O N
B Y G R A DY B RYA N T
ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT
ISLANDER STUDIES
Identified within the Aboriginal Studies 7-10 syllabus as:
Promoting diversity
Develops moral, ethic and spiritual considerations
Inclusive of all students
Cultural affirmation
Develops recognition of land and spirituality to
Aboriginal Peoples
Assists in developing analytical and evaluative skills that
can be used within other contexts
KEY AREAS OF STUDY
Changes and Continuity
Cultures
Environments
Social systems and structures
ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIGHT
ISLANDER STUDIES WITHIN HISTORY 7-12
History curriculum encompasses cross-curriculum priority Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.
Can be taught in a way that meets general capabilities such as:
Ethical understanding
Intercultural understanding
Difference and diversity
Develop critical and creative thinking
PLACE AND VALUE
Melbourne Declaration Educational goals for Young Australians:
Goal 1: Promoting equity and excellence
Goal 2: Promoting successful, confident and creative learners & active
and informed citizens
Australias Indigenous cultures are a key part of the nations history,
present and future
Need to close the gap
IMPLICATIONS OF STUDY WITHIN
CLASSROOM
Prejudice
Institutional racism
Not knowing enough content knowledge
Cultural unawareness
INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES
Worldviews and relatedness
Acceptance of worldviews are critical for engaging with Aboriginal students
Animals, plants, waterways, skies, climate and people are all interconnected.
Spiritually orientated
The land is sacred
Human beings are irrelevant
Work for the community
INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES
Aboriginal literacies
Aboriginal literacies emerge from worldviews, identity and knowledge systems.
Aboriginal literacies develop an awareness and appreciation of:
Storytelling
Contemporary literature
Different languages and dialect spoken
Unique writing and oral traditions
INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES
8 ways of learning
Indigenous perspective that includes Aboriginal perspective and learning
techniques
Developing Indigenous cultural competence through:
INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES
Cultural Identity
Individuals and communities link their Indigenous identity closely
with the country on which it emerged.
Kinship, family, relatedness and connectedness are the basis of
Aboriginal worldviews and is reflected in their identity.
Needs to be a continuation of cultural practices to maintain
identity and ties to the land.
POLICIES
Cultural inclusivity/equity
Teachers and schools should not try to change the culture, customs, or values of Indigenous
students.
Develop cultural recognition and support through:
Personal relationships
Flexibility
Involvement
Recognising and teaching Indigenous languages
Encourage participation through:
School entry
Maintaining attendance
Engagement linking learning to interests
POLICIES
Closing the Gap
Education policy and directive set in the Melbourne Declaration
Key areas include: Participation, attendance, enrolment, literacy, numeracy
Meeting the needs of young Indigenous Australians
Engaging Indigenous youth, families and communities in all aspects of school
2017 Closing the Gap video
[Link]
POLICIES
Maintaining history and Identity
Many Indigenous Australians are challenged to integrate into modern society.
Preservation of sacred sites is crucial for emotional and spiritual links
Flag represents identity, unity and pride
TEACHING STRATEGIES
Queensland Studies Authority strategies that assist in developing teaching of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander languages:
1. Leave English behind.
2. Use non-verbal communication.
3. Language is also culture.
4. Focus on listening and speaking, rather than writing.
5. Explore activities for teacher and learner to do together.
6. Use audio and videotaping.
7. Active language learner.
8. Patient and proud.
TEACHING STRATEGIES
Aboriginal people regard education to be most effective when it:
Involved face-to-face delivery
Culturally appropriate
Considers cultural commitments
Involves context specific skills
Observation and imitation not oral or written
Trial and error
TEACHING STRATEGIES
Local resources available in Albury/Wodonga:
Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service
Mungabareena Aboriginal corporation
NAIDOC
Elders
TEACHING STRATEGIES
8 ways of learning
TEACHING STRATEGIES
Use audio and video taping.
Eg record elders within the community
Explore historical recordings
ICT - Video on Indigenous perspectives and integration of teaching techniques in the
classroom
[Link]
