Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia

27-30 September 1999

CITEP: Community Based Indigenous Teacher Education Program

Paul Muirhead

School of Curriculum Studies, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia

Abstract

The CITEP program has evolved as the result of an initiative of Dr. Cathryn McConaghy of the School of Education Studies, at the University of New England, Armidale, NSW. The program began at Boggabilla, in the far north of New South Wales, in July 1998. Dr. McConaghy's successful submission for a Vice-Chancellor's Initiative grant funded the initial stages of the program.

The concept of an on-site mixed-mode delivery of the university's Bachelor of Education degree is fundamental to the program. The communities of Boggabilla, and nearby Toomelah, are prime examples of the educational disadvantage suffered by members of remote Indigenous communities in rural NSW. The many factors mitigating against Indigenous Australians moving away from their communities to study are already well documented. The need to increase the numbers of Indigenous teachers in these areas is also obvious.

CITEP is based on a sense of partnership between the community, the university, and the NSW. Dept. of School Education. This presentation will explore the program in detail, and invite discussion on the challenges.

PRESENTATION FORMAT: Paper (45 Min)