Welcome to "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundations," a comprehensive course designed to deepen your understanding of the rich cultural heritage, historical context, and contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples in Australia. This course aims to equip educators, policymakers, and community members with the knowledge and skills necessary to support and empower Indigenous students within the educational system.
Through a series of twelve detailed lectures, you will explore a range of topics including the significance of Indigenous knowledge systems, the impact of historical and current educational policies, and the importance of culturally responsive teaching practices. You will gain insights into the challenges and disparities in literacy and numeracy, health and education, and behavioural management, as well as effective strategies to address these issues.
Key topics include:
- The historical and contemporary status of Indigenous peoples in Australian society.
- Navigating the landscape of Indigenous education policy in Australia and Queensland.
- The politics of knowledge and the importance of Indigenous epistemologies.
- Community engagement and the role of schools in Indigenous settings.
- The importance of Aboriginal English and language preservation in the classroom.
- Addressing health disparities and their impact on educational outcomes.
- Effective teaching and learning strategies for Indigenous students.
- Behaviour management, attendance, and suspension strategies focused on Indigenous students.
- The unique experiences of educators living and working in remote Indigenous communities.
This course is designed to foster a deeper appreciation for Indigenous cultures and to promote educational practices that are inclusive, respectful, and effective. Join us on this journey to better understand and support the educational aspirations and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.