Abstract

NSW Quality Teaching & Positive Change with Aboriginal Students

Author(s)

Michael Donovan -Wollotuka School of Aboriginal Studies, University of Newcastle

One process to support large-scale social change is through educational change. If educational outcomes and retention improve then related social changes can improve. There are many studies of the positive changes in health, employment and engagement in crime with the increase in education. A pedagogical model of good teaching is the NSW Quality Teaching model (QT), my research examines some effects when QT is engaged effectively in schools with Aboriginal students highlighting the engagement and receptiveness to the western educational process by the Aboriginal students.

The QT model is supported by the NSW Department of Education & Training but it is not being engaged across the system by educators. The evidence on this model highlights that through the focus of high intellectual quality there is an increase in educational outcomes of students. Through the engagement of culture and student background the contextualisation of the practices Aboriginal students will connect with western education.

With this presentation participants will be presented with some early findings highlighting the positive educational effects on Aboriginal students when using QT in their teaching. These examinations will also present some shortcomings and further directions needed in this field.

This presentation will focus on good educational practices through the use of NSW QT model. It will highlight the importance of engagement of students culture and background with a strong focus on high intellectual quality that will engage Aboriginal students in our educational system and through positive educational change will lead to better social outcomes for Aboriginal society.