Looking for the X-factors: Contextualised learning and young Indigenous Australian children

This presentation outlines a research project into early childhood education funded by Queensland Department of Education and Training’s Education Horizon research grant scheme. The project will run from July 2016 to June 2017. This project involved two main research activities: an online survey of early childhood educators of young Indigenous Australians and a small case study of early childhood and early years education programs in Logan, Darling Downs and Far North Queensland regions. The pilot case study sought to identify ‘X-factors’ regarding the contextualisation of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment for young Indigenous Australian learners. This presentation will outline the case study model, describe and discuss the findings of the research at Cherbourg State School (Darling Downs region, Qld). It will outline initial findings and elements regarding experiences, expectations and praxis that underpinned the decision-making of parents, educators and school leaders.