1.4 Strategies for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Graduate level: 'Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds'.
One of the goals within The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (2008) is to promote equity and excellence in schooling, within this ensuring the educational outcomes for Indigenous students improve to match those of other students.
Within The Australian Curriculum, ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures’ is defined as a ‘Cross-curricular priority’ to be embedded within all learning areas, from Foundation to year ten. That is, teachers need to include Indigenous perspectives across all areas of the curriculum. I have used Indigenous perspectives in units that I have created for both my studies and in practice.
Through my study of the topic Critical Indigenous Pedagogies, I have gained greater understanding of the needs of Indigenous students and as part of my learning I developed a Critical Indigenous Pedagogical Practice (CIPP). My CIPP (see file below) considers the following issues and includes an example introductory lesson plan for a Year Two Geography unit.
Within The Australian Curriculum, ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures’ is defined as a ‘Cross-curricular priority’ to be embedded within all learning areas, from Foundation to year ten. That is, teachers need to include Indigenous perspectives across all areas of the curriculum. I have used Indigenous perspectives in units that I have created for both my studies and in practice.
Through my study of the topic Critical Indigenous Pedagogies, I have gained greater understanding of the needs of Indigenous students and as part of my learning I developed a Critical Indigenous Pedagogical Practice (CIPP). My CIPP (see file below) considers the following issues and includes an example introductory lesson plan for a Year Two Geography unit.
- The provision of an effective and safe learning environment for the Indigenous student
- The use of appropriate curriculum and pedagogies including an understanding of Indigenous perspectives
- The development of a strong, positive sense of identity
criticalindigenouspedagogicalpractice.pdf | |
File Size: | 942 kb |
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I have found the following visual representation for embedding Indigenous perspectives particularly useful when planning for teaching. This is taken from a guide for school learning communities produced by the Queensland Government in 2011.
Commitment to continual improvement
I am currently reading 'The Little Red Yellow Black Book' (B. Pascoe, 2012) to build on my knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Australia as this will enhance my ability to teach the Indigenous perspectives.
I will continue to focus on building relationships with the community and will look stay current with strategies for teaching Indigenous students through accessing programs such as What Works and, having recently become a member, I will visit the Aboriginal and Multicultural Languages and Resource Centre for resource and lesson ideas.
I am currently reading 'The Little Red Yellow Black Book' (B. Pascoe, 2012) to build on my knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Australia as this will enhance my ability to teach the Indigenous perspectives.
I will continue to focus on building relationships with the community and will look stay current with strategies for teaching Indigenous students through accessing programs such as What Works and, having recently become a member, I will visit the Aboriginal and Multicultural Languages and Resource Centre for resource and lesson ideas.