Margaret Duffield

Deputy Principal, Education Queensland, Kalkadoon State High School, Queensland, Australia

Valuing Aboriginal Language and Literacy in the Classroom:
An Equity Strategy for Enhanced Student Engagement in Learning in a Lower Secondary English Classroom

Abstract

In remote and other Australian schools with a significant Aboriginal enrolment the issues of language and literacy often coincide with those of student self esteem and successful and sustained student engagement in the learning process. This paper discusses the underpinning theories, process, challenges and outcomes of the first stage of a developmental model for enhancing urban Aboriginal student access to the language of power (Standard Australian English) while developing wider acceptance of indigenous dialects/languages in the learning process by teachers, students and the wider community.

Bionote

In her 27th year of teaching, Margaret Duffield is presently a Deputy Principal in a remote area Queensland State secondary school which has a 35% Aboriginal enrolment. She has worked in Aboriginal education in a number of contexts within the State system and is presently completing a Master of Applied Linguistics with an Indigenous Literacy focus.

Presentation Type
30 min. Paper

Presentation Equipment and Other Requests
Overhead Projector
Data Projector

Speaking Date/Time Restrictions

Country
Australia