INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES
The term 'worldview' refers to the lens or framework of ideas and beliefs through which an individual interprets and interacts with the world. Quality teaching and learning needs to be responsive to the multiplicity of perspectives that is the reality of classroom diversity in Australian schools.
Australia's population and the Indigenous population are diverse. Teachers' development of a critical consciousness that reflects awareness of cultural diversity is crucial to providing culturally sensitive and meaningful learning environments for all learners. Ah Sam and Ackland (Introductory Indigenous Studies in Education, 2005, p183) maintain that:
'The teacher's own knowledge of and experience with diverse cultures will influence the type of curriculum the teacher is likely to offer the students, as well as influencing his or her pedagogical approach to students in the educational setting.'
While curriculum documents outline content and outcomes for students, it is teachers who develop learning experiences that cater to the diversity of their students. Reconciliation Australia suggests that ‘it is important for all Australians to understand the essential features of Indigenous culture’ and their ‘special connection to the land’ in order that we may better understand and respect their culture. See http://www.shareourpride.org.au/pages/topics/culture/understanding-culture.php
In Pathways, Policy and Practice in Indigenous Education, Faith Irving from Monash University quotes ‘Aunty’ Iris Lovett-Gardiner (Lady of the Lake) to stress ‘the importance of educating children about shared history, building mutual understanding and respect’.
I don’t think anything will change unless people get a proper aspect on who Aboriginal people are…To live in two worlds, side by side, you need to eliminate discrimination. And education has got to go into schools about Aboriginal people, that there are people here who have a proud heritage. Read the complete article at: http://www.aare.edu.au/05pap/irv05625.pdf
Reflection on our own worldviews can help to increase awareness of how these ‘may be filters which help or hinder our understanding of others’ worldviews’. ‘Australia is becoming an increasingly spiritually and culturally diverse society’ and it may be helpful ‘to reflect on how these changes influence personal attitudes, professional practice, and the promotion of social justice’. See http://www.aasw.asn.au/adobe/papers/paper_maev_o%E2%80%99collins.pdf
