McDonald, Helen (2005) Supporting Indigenous students as "smart, not good" knowers and learners: the practices of two teachers. In: Papers from AARE International Education Research 2004 Conference. From: AARE International Education Research 2004 Conference, 29 November - 4 December 2004, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

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Abstract

Issues of identity construction can be especially significant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents in Australian schools as they seek to find a place in a society in which they may not feel valued or represented. However, the concept of Indigenous identity is complex and contested as is the relationship between Indigenous identity and school success. This paper draws on qualitative research in a small urban secondary school. It details the practices of two remarkable teachers as they work to support the diverse identities of their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in ways which also allow the students to take on identities as knowers and learners in their classrooms. Their understanding of the students' identities involved them in seeing the students in multiple ways, constantly moving between the individual interests and needs of the student, their family connections and contemporary Indigenous life. Their practices in supporting Indigenous students as knowers and learners were based on recognising the complex interactions between race, history, school structures and peer relationships. Through their practices, they intentionally rejected the reproductive tendencies of schooling and created spaces where Indigenous youth could challenge "commonsense" about themselves.

Item ID:	950
Item Type:	Conference Item (Research - E1)
ISSN:	1324-9320
Keywords:	Indigenous education; identity and education
Additional Information:	Conference theme "Doing the public good: positioning education research"
Date Deposited:	01 Nov 2006
FoR Codes:	13 EDUCATION > 1303 Specialist Studies in Education > 130399 Specialist Studies in Education not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9399 Other Education and Training > 939901 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education @ 100%
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