Start Date
17-8-2021 2:00 PM
End Date
17-8-2021 3:00 PM
Subjects
Excellence in education, Aboriginal education, Torres Strait Islander education, Cultural literacy, Aboriginal knowledge, Torres Strait Islander knowledge, Aboriginal achievement, Qualitative research, Secondary schools
Abstract
In the national and international landscape, there is very limited exploration of cultural constructs of excellence, in particular, in Indigenous contexts. This pilot study aimed to centre the voices of Indigenous people in conceptualising excellence in Indigenous education, as well as to share understandings between Indigenous and non-Indigenous practitioners. Qualitative data collection methods were used including collaborative yarning, storying, and semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using cross-case analysis to examine the views of educators across three school sites. Indigenous participants highlighted the importance of nurturing culture and identity; building up young people; and, building a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Supportive leadership was also identified as an enabler for enacting excellence in schools. A direct outcome of this project was a whole-school policy that builds on a strengths perspective and forefronts the embedding of Indigenous knowledges and perspectives, supporting the wellbeing of Indigenous students, affirming the identities of Indigenous students and having specific strategies to engage with local Indigenous communities.
Recommended Citation
Shay, M., Miller, J., & Abdul Hameed, S. (2021, August 16-20). Exploring excellence in Indigenous education in Queensland secondary schools [Presentation]. Research Conference 2021: Excellent progress for every student: Proceedings and program. Australian Council for Educational Research. https://doi.org/10.37517/978-1-74286-638-3_8
Place of Publication
Melbourne Australia
Publisher
Australian Council for Educational Research
ISBN
978-1-74286-638-3
DOI
https://doi.org/10.37517/978-1-74286-638-3_8
Geographic Subject
Queensland
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Indigenous Education Commons, Secondary Education Commons
Exploring excellence in Indigenous education in Queensland secondary schools
In the national and international landscape, there is very limited exploration of cultural constructs of excellence, in particular, in Indigenous contexts. This pilot study aimed to centre the voices of Indigenous people in conceptualising excellence in Indigenous education, as well as to share understandings between Indigenous and non-Indigenous practitioners. Qualitative data collection methods were used including collaborative yarning, storying, and semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using cross-case analysis to examine the views of educators across three school sites. Indigenous participants highlighted the importance of nurturing culture and identity; building up young people; and, building a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Supportive leadership was also identified as an enabler for enacting excellence in schools. A direct outcome of this project was a whole-school policy that builds on a strengths perspective and forefronts the embedding of Indigenous knowledges and perspectives, supporting the wellbeing of Indigenous students, affirming the identities of Indigenous students and having specific strategies to engage with local Indigenous communities.