TEACHING AND LEARNING
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For Australian teachers

Different Australian states have developed their own guidelines for teaching Aboriginal studies - see the NATSIEW site for policy documents and details.

Over recent years, states have moved towards incorporating Aboriginal perspectives into all aspects of curriculum. In South Australia, for example, there is the excellent 'Aboriginal Perspectives Across the Curriculum' kit.

For those concentrating on Aboriginal studies, the Aboriginal Studies R-12 Guidelines from South Australia suggest the following essential learnings should be achieved over the 12 years of schooling. It is not intended that all of the essential learning is included in any one course or unit. The age, experience and interests of students will influence how the concepts below are introduced and developed.

• Aboriginal cultures are living cultures
• Aboriginal people share many cultural similarities which are expressed in a variety of lifestyles
• Aboriginal history covers a vast time span
• The Dreaming gives a strong spiritual emphasis to Aboriginal culture
• Aboriginal social structures provide a caring environment and roles for all people
• Aboriginal people have a close spiritual relationship with their environment
• Aboriginal lifestyles before European invasion and settlement were affluent
• Aboriginal society was devastated by European invasion and settlement
• Aboriginal people are now exercising their right to make decisions about their own future
• Aboriginal people contribute to Australian society

All of these have implications for teaching about Aboriginal people and their cultures. The Aboriginal Studies R-12 Guidelines for Teachers, available in the shop, takes each of these points and elaborates what this means for teachers and teaching. The 'Guidelines' are also available as part of 'Pack A' and 'Pack H' - see Packs or resources for details .

Aboriginal Perspectives Across the Curriculum

Also available is the excellent æAboriginal Perspectives Across the CurriculumÆ resource folder. Called 'APAC' for short, it gives teachers support to broaden and deepen their own and their studentsÆ understanding of Aboriginal cultures and ways. It is designed for use across all levels from junior primary to senior secondary. Over 70 people have contributed to its development, including members of the Aboriginal community, practising classroom teachers and curriculum advisers.

'APAC' includes background information on issues identified by members of the Aboriginal community, teacher anecdotes, lesson plans and ideas about how to incorporate Aboriginal perspectives across the curriculum. Available in the shop.

And don't forget

The best way to learn about Aboriginal culture is from Aboriginal people, so be sure to check that materials you use have been developed in consultation with Aboriginal people, according to established criteria.

When starting any new areas, there are many new things to learn - see the sensitive issues section for matters that require some sensitivity.

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start points l sensitive issues l Dreaming l background l resources