Availabilities:

Location Domestic International
Lismore Session 1 Session 1
Online Session 1,  3 Session 1

Unit Summary

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit

Credit points

12

AQF level

7

Level of learning

Advanced

Former School/College

College of Indigenous Peoples (Gnibi)

Pre-requisites

192 credit points in any SCU units

Unit aim

Presents a diversity of Indigenous voices within the wider discourse on education in Australia. Past and current colonial education practices in Australia are critically analysed, especially in terms of their relationship to Indigenous peoples and Indigenous education models and practices. Focuses include the history of colonial education in Australia, the impact of colonisation on Indigenous teaching and learning processes, governmental response to Indigenous educational needs and the process of best practice education policy making. Students will develop critical analysis and advocacy skills that will enable them to engage the discourse around education delivery and practice within Australia and beyond.

Unit content

Focus topics for this unit, including an introduction and overview:

  • Indigenous values and philosophies in education
  • History of invasion of Indigenous education
  • Socio-political realities
  • Policies and programs
  • Best practice: Case studies

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: , GA2: , GA3: , GA4: , GA5: , GA6: , GA7:
On completion of this unit, students should be able to: GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7
1 examine the complex manifestations of racism in the context of schooling in Australia
2 critique the role of cultural protocols and practices within education, specifically in regard to Indigenous education
3 explore the factors that impact on an Indigenous Australian student's academic performance
4 appraise literacy and numeracy strategies that are designed to address the needs and aspirations of Indigenous learners
5 research and critically analyse various State and Federal government education policies that provide frameworks for parents, students and teachers to action innovative ways that will address Indigenous Australian initiatives
6 evaluate community-based education focussing specifically on Indigenous communities.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. examine the complex manifestations of racism in the context of schooling in Australia
    • GA4:
    • GA7:
  2. critique the role of cultural protocols and practices within education, specifically in regard to Indigenous education
    • GA4:
    • GA6:
    • GA7:
  3. explore the factors that impact on an Indigenous Australian student's academic performance
    • GA4:
    • GA7:
  4. appraise literacy and numeracy strategies that are designed to address the needs and aspirations of Indigenous learners
    • GA4:
    • GA6:
    • GA7:
  5. research and critically analyse various State and Federal government education policies that provide frameworks for parents, students and teachers to action innovative ways that will address Indigenous Australian initiatives
    • GA4:
    • GA6:
    • GA7:
  6. evaluate community-based education focussing specifically on Indigenous communities.
    • GA4:
    • GA6:
    • GA7:

Prescribed texts

  • Beresford, Q, Partington, G & Gower, G, 2012, Reform and Resistance in Aboriginal Education, UWA Publishing, Crawley, WA. ISBN: 9781742583891.

  • Beresford, Q, Partington, G & Grower, G, 2012, Reform and Resistance in Aboriginal Education, UWA Publishing, Crawley, WA. ISBN: 9781742583891.
Prescribed texts may change in future teaching periods.