Aboriginal Education

Context:

It is important to show students respect towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Students must acknowledge and understand the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages. Further, teachers must consider Aboriginal traditions in the classroom for students to grasp an understanding and show their respect towards the culture. Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, we must create an environment where students feel safe, secure and supported within the classroom. Creating positive and meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students allow them to feel comfortable, further motivating them to engage in all activities. Additionally, it is importance for students to learn about the Aboriginal histories and engage in reconciliation, respect and recognition of the world's oldest continuous living cultures.

Annotation/Action:

In my career so far, I have had one student in my class who is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. As his teacher, I ensured to educate all students on the culture, starting with Aboriginal art activities to celebrate reconciliation week. Students were given boomerangs and taught about different symbols used in the Aboriginal language. Using these symbols, students were to put together a story line and colour them in black, yellow, red or brown pencils. Additionally, as a staffing community, we have participated in multiple staff meeting PDs. This has provided me an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding on the Aboriginal culture. Additionally, I have completed a professional development online program names 'Working Together - Cultural Awareness'. This online PD allowed me to reflect on the overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, perspectives and culture, which is rich and powerful in shaping how they relate to the natural world, to each other and to non-Aboriginal people, whether at work, home or in the community. Therefore, this PD has allowed me to provide deeper meaning to teachers when further educating them. This is done effectively through Aboriginal Art looking at specific symbols that create a story in the Aboriginal language.

Results:

Through training as a staff cohort in meetings, my understanding around the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) community has developed thoroughly. I believe it has taught me how to cater for ATSI students physically, socially and intellectually as well as understanding how there may be a difference in their learning. It has taught me the importance on celebrating traditions and consistently acknowledging diverse and cultural backgrounds. Developing a deeper understanding around the ATSI culture, allows me to support student participation in activities and manage them appropriately. It has been a successful experience thus far, as I have effectively catered for students and celebrated ATSI traditions to create an environment that ensures they feel supported within their learning and feel appreciated for their background culture.

Evaluation:

In the near future, I hope to continue implementing activities and look into further detail around the ASTI cultures, teaching it explicitly to students to ensure they have a deep understanding. I believe that the activities I have implemented and the trainings I have participated in so far have been extremely beneficial. This was a culture that I did not have deep knowledge and understanding around, however now I have developed my knowledge, I am able to effectively and appreciatively, contribute to the culture and teach students on how special this culture is.

Standards:

1.1 Physical , social and intellectual development and characteristics of student

1.2 Understand how students learn

1.3 Students with diverse, linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds

1.4 Strategies for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

2.4 Understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians

4.1 Support student participation

4.2 Manage classroom activities

Training Certificate

Newsletter:

Pod 1C honouring National Reconciliation Week!

In Week 6, students looked at the meaning of different Aboriginal culture symbols and samples of Aboriginal art in recognition of Reconciliation week. Students thoroughly enjoyed the next task of creating their own boomerangs that tell an Aboriginal story through the symbols they had learnt. It was great to see students engaged and excited to learn about the culture, showing great respect. Have a look at some designs!