Details for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives

This unit is an introduction to key issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education related to policy, curriculum and pedagogy. It aims to empower students to implement classroom practices responsive to, and respectful of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. This unit presents the case for culturally responsive approaches and supportive learning environments that address diverse needs across a range of settings, including examples from rural, remote, and urban Australian Indigenous communities. It examines the effectiveness of Australian education policies past and present in enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to reach their full potential.  

Awards offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Articulate a biblically informed view of what it is to be human including factors that shape identify as individuals and within cultures, with particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
2. Discuss and synthesise information about significant social, cultural, economic and historical factors that have influenced Australian Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander education in Australia
3. Describe culturally responsive strategies for engaging with students and parent/guardians of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds 
4. Analyse Australian education policies frameworks and standards that reference Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and discuss their role in contributing to student outcomes and access to an equitable quality of school education.
5. Identify pedagogies and resources that support positive learning environments that celebrate and integrate different ways of knowing and learning with a specific focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.

Subject Content

• Introduction to the course
• History and Identity
• Culture, connections and relationships
• Pedagogies, programs and services
• Policies and Procedures
• Policies and practices for EAL/D
• Planning for responsive and supportive learning & Promoting harmony (Anti-racism)
• Principles of programming
• Assessments & Presentations
• Reflection and Integration

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face-to-Face (onsite)
• eLearning (online)
• Intensive

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

• Critical Reflection: Forum Posts (20%)
• Major Essay (40%)
• Individual Case Study Analysis and reflection (40%)

Prescribed Text

Primary Readings provided