Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia

27-30 September 1999

Getting it right for Aboriginal students: Paths to partnership in learning

Prof. Bernard T Harrison

Edith Cowan University, Churchlands, Western Australia.

Co-authors:
Assoc. Prof. Gary Partington, Korungkurl Katitjin School,
Dr John Godfrey, Dr Mort Harslett and Ms Kay Richer, Edith Cowan University, Mount Lawley Campus, Western Australia.

Abstract

During an extensive study by the authors of Aboriginal student motivation and retention in secondary schools in Western Australia, fieldwork interviews and observations were conducted amongst teachers, student parents and Indigenous support workers. Analysis of field data revealed that the Aboriginal students and communities who were involved in the study are strongly pro-school and pro-learning. However, they also hold strong views in support of the need for urgent improvement in learning provision for these students. In particular, their views centered on the need for improved teacher-learner relations; on issues of effective teaching and learning; and on the need for flexibility, sensitivity and consultative processes in educational policy-making and planning.

Following publication of research findings (1998, 1999), the team then engaged on follow-up work with selected schools, which expressed an interest in staff professional development programmes in this field. This paper discusses some key outcomes of good principles and practices in developing partnerships in learning, which have emerged from the study and from the staff professional development initiative.