Considerations
It is first important to acknowledge that whilst both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are Indigenous Peoples, they have their own separate identities in terms of history, geographical, and cultural (Bobongie-Harris, 2021). A central part of their identity is their deep connection to Country, or the land, which profoundly influences their knowledge systems and perspectives (Lloyd et al., 2015). This connection fosters a strong sense of place and belonging and emphasises the importance of family and community. In the classroom this means creating a family-like support system whereby students feel a sense of belonging and community (Price & Rogers, 2019). Traditional learning methods often involve storytelling and experiential learning. By including hands-on learning experiences in the classroom, the learning becomes more relevant and meaningful to these students (Yunkaporta & Kirby, 2011).
In order to deliver high quality education, it is important to recognise the diversity of these students and consideration that need to me made for the classroom learning (Llyod, 2015)
Pedagogical Strategy: 8 Ways Pedagogy
One effective pedagogical strategy for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students is the 8 Ways Pedagogy, developed by Tyson Yunkaporta (Yunkaporta & Kirby, 2011). This framework is a transformative approach to Indigenous education, designed to respect and cater to the unique learning styles of these students (Department of Education, 2009).
This pedagogy is founded on Indigenous knowledge systems and traditions, providing a culturally rich approach to learning. Some examples of the practical implementations in the classroom include:
- Learning Maps: visual representations of learning, helping student see connections in order to understand the broader context of their learning (Yunkaporta & Kirby, 2011).
- Hands-on (Kinaesthetic) Activities: engaging students through tactile experiences, which aligns with their traditional ways of learning, through doing (Bobongie-Harris, 2021).
- Symbols and Images: using symbols and images to represent concepts, community links (Yunkaporta, 2011).
- Community links: aiming to integrate community knowledge into the learning, in order to foster a sense of connection and relevance (Price & Rogers, 2019).
Through the integration of the 8 Ways Pedagogy I am able to better create an inclusive, supportive and culturally competent learning environment, that honours the cultural heritage and learning styles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (Yunkaporta & Kirby, 2011).
