Monday 28 August 2017
Start Date
28-8-2017 1:00 PM
End Date
28-8-2017 2:15 PM
Subjects
Aboriginal students, Teaching methods, Aboriginal education, Teacher expectations of students, Teacher improvement, Leadership qualities, Leadership training, Educational research, Student engagement, Student motivation, Program evaluation
Abstract
In 1988, Professor Sarra commenced his career as an educator. After a very personal revelation about how he as an Aboriginal student had been ‘sold short’ by schooling, he became determined to change expectations of Aboriginal children in schools throughout Australia. It was a lofty career ambition, but one he feels he has achieved: the stronger smarter approach, which he developed and now shares with an army of hardworking and courageous educators, has had success – despite the questionable efforts of education researchers with little or no insight into the profound complexities of such an undertaking. This paper will reflect on aspects of the stronger smarter journey and invite education researchers to consider how to enhance this pursuit rather than get in the way of it.
Recommended Citation
Sarra, C. (2017, August 28). Stronger Smarter: A sustained and enduring approach to Indigenous education (whether education researchers know it or not!) [Paper presentation]. Research Conference 2017 - Leadership for Improving Learning - Insights from Research. https://research.acer.edu.au/research_conference/RC2017/28august/6
Copyright Statement
Copyright Australian Council for Educational Research 2017
Place of Publication
Melbourne, Vic
Publisher
Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)
Stronger Smarter: A sustained and enduring approach to Indigenous education (whether education researchers know it or not!)
In 1988, Professor Sarra commenced his career as an educator. After a very personal revelation about how he as an Aboriginal student had been ‘sold short’ by schooling, he became determined to change expectations of Aboriginal children in schools throughout Australia. It was a lofty career ambition, but one he feels he has achieved: the stronger smarter approach, which he developed and now shares with an army of hardworking and courageous educators, has had success – despite the questionable efforts of education researchers with little or no insight into the profound complexities of such an undertaking. This paper will reflect on aspects of the stronger smarter journey and invite education researchers to consider how to enhance this pursuit rather than get in the way of it.
Comments
Keynote 2