Learning from country: the value of country visits in remote schools for community engagement and natural and cultural resource management
Learning from country: the value of country visits in remote schools for community engagement and natural and cultural resource management Report
DKCRC Research Report
- Author(s): Douglas, J
- Published: 2011
- Publisher: Ninti One Limited
- Volume: 69
Abstract: The aim of this study is to explore the value of country visits and local Indigenous Language and Culture (ILC) Programs for community engagement and natural and cultural resource management. Findings from this research show ways in which ILC programs and associated country visits integrate education into the social and cultural schema of remote communities. This research shows that schoolbased country visits and ILC programs should be seen as part of the solution to improving Aboriginal education outcomes. This research used qualitative methods to explore the country visit (day field trips, overnight camps and week-long camps) component of the ILC program in two remote Aboriginal schools in central Australia. The two case-study schools, Willowra School and Ntaria School, belong to the Warlpiri and Western Arrarnta language communities. This research is important because improving Aboriginal education outcomes is an urgent national priority and is considered key to ‘closing the gap’ in Aboriginal disadvantage. There are a multitude of complex and interrelated factors that contribute to poor education outcomes for Aboriginal students. Education research shows that education service delivery to remote communities is successful if it is integrated into the social and cultural schema of local communities (Kral & Falk 2004; Guenther et al. 2005; Hartman & Henderson 1994; Hoogenraad 1994; Harris 1990). To improve Aboriginal education outcomes, Aboriginal perspectives need to be included in curriculum and pedagogy (MCEETYA 2006), and improved community engagement will enhance education outcomes (NT DEET 2006a). Accordingly, Aboriginal people want their local schools, as places of learning for children, to accord equal value and status to Aboriginal language and knowledge alongside Western knowledge. However, reconciling what Aboriginal people in desert Australia want from their schools – the inclusion of local language and culture – and what schools routinely deliver is not often achieved in practice.
- Urls: http://www.nintione.com.au/resource/NintiOneResearchReport_69_Thevalueofcountryvisitsinremoteschools.pdf
- Publisher Location: Alice Springs
- Keywords: natural resource management, Northern Territory