A way forward to support the outcomes of First Nations students and their engagement with education, is to begin the process of decolonising your classroom.
Dr Aleryk Fricker (2022), a proud Dja Dja Wurrung man and former teacher, suggests there are 5 ways that is can be done:
1. Implement Indigenous Education policies, these can be either state, territory or federal polices that cover aspects such as attendance, teaching methods, content and community engagement.
To find out what policies and strategies are implemented nationally and in your state or territory, read our Key Indigenous Education Policies blog.
2. Ensure First Nations history, knowledge and culture is given priority in your classroom and minimise the Euro-centric focus on Australia’s recent history and ‘western traditions’ of liberal democratic and Judeo-Christian values.
3. Utilise First Nations methods of teaching and learning, such as the 8 Aboriginal ways of learning.
4. Our children need to have their culture reflected in their learning space, they need to see themselves reflected in their schools. This includes artworks, First Nations books, acknowledgements and flags. There needs to be spaces fit for purpose, such for yarning and on-Country learning.
5. Engage with your local First Nations community. Elders should be present and visible in your school as they are the knowledge holders. Our children need to access Country and Community as part of their learning.
If you would like to find out more about this important topic, read more of Dr Aleryk Fricker’s work here:
Fricker, A.B., & Fricker, A. (2023). Decolonising the music classroom. Australian Journal of Music Education. V 55, Issue 2. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.T2024041000012000881065439
Fricker, A. (2021). Decolonising your Classroom: Five ways forward. AEU News. https://news.aeuvic.asn.au/in-depth/decolonising-your-classroom-five-ways-forward/
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