2.3 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Approaches to Learning

Question 1

System of knowledge

Answer 1

knowledge and skills are based on the interconnected social, physical and spiritual understandings, and in turn, inform survival and contribute to a strong sense of identity

Question 2

Story sharing

Answer 2

learning takes place through narrative and story-sharing
o E.g. sharing dreaming stories to communicate complex knowledge relating to the natural world and survival

Question 3

Learning Maps

Answer 3

planning and visualising processes and knowledge
o E.g. creating a visual representation or mind map of all the key terms within an area of study in VCE Psych, linking each topic with the relevant part of the body

Question 4

Non-Verbal

Answer 4

sharing knowledge through non-verbal means, including dance, art and observation
o E.g. traditional dances where the movements reflect the patterns of certain animals by observing others and participating in dancing rituals, individuals also learn the habits of the animal

Question 5

Symbols and Images

Answer 5

learning through images, symbols and metaphors
o E.g. creating artwork that uses symbols to represent landmarks, animals or objects

Question 6

Land Links

Answer 6

learning and knowledge are inherently linked to nature, land and Country
o E.g. rather than learning about photosynthesis you from a textbook, you would go out to investigate plants in nature

Question 7

Non-Linear

Answer 7

thinking outside the square and taking knowledge from different viewpoints in order to build new understandings
o E.g. you could examine the tools used in each place, including how they were made and what they were used for, you could then compare them to tools used today and broaden your understanding of the term tool

Question 8

Deconstruct/reconstruct

Answer 8

breaking down a concept from whole to parts, and then applying it, knowledge or skills are demonstrated and then a learner is guided through each part in turn, learners engage by watching and then doing
o E.g. learning a new language by reading a passage in that language, and then examining the individual sentences and worlds within it

Question 9

Community Links

Answer 9

connecting learning to local values, needs and knowledge, learning does not occur in a vacuum but rather is shared with others and used to meet the needs of the community
o E.g. when learning creative writing the class may put together a book, then publishing this for free in the local library

Question 10

The process of learning for Australia’s First Nations is deeply embedded in relationships

Answer 10

• Relationships between concepts
• Relationships between learner and teacher
• Relationships between individuals, families and communities
• Relationships between all of the above and country