YANDI – Keeping on trackYANDI, a student assignment and assessment tracking database at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia, flags students who have fallen behind in their assessment. The YANDI system is one strategy to increase the success and retention rates for Indigenous students at Edith Cowan University. The YANDI system has been developed by staff in the School of Indigenous Studies (Kurongkurl Katitjin) and the Indigenous Information Technology Centre at Edith Cowan University to assist staff to track and monitor students participating in the external Aboriginal University Orientation Course (AUOC). Since the introduction of the system in 1997, the number of assignments submitted by AUOC students has increased by approximately 25 per cent, there has been a significant improvement in contact between staff and students on study-related issues, and the turn-around rate of assignments has increased significantly. As well as helping staff to monitor students, the YANDI datasheet provides students with an up-to-date report on their progress during the semester. The sheet is mailed out to students at the discretion of academic staff, in conjunction with other mail-outs from the AUOC. The YANDI system records incoming assessment items, receipt dates, turnover time, marks, and return dates. It can produce status reports on any student, which indicate due dates of assessments, marks achieved to date, overdue assessments, and lecturers’ responses and comments. The datasheet provides students with information on each of their units, including: pictures and contact details of lecturers; assessment titles and due dates; indication of receipt of assessment; results from marked assessment; indication of the lateness of any unsubmitted work; and comments from their marking lecturer. Before each semester starts, staff comments are collected and inserted into the datasheet according to the status of the student in the unit (up-to-date or falling behind). This way the process of feedback is automated, which has contributed to a 25 per cent increase in the number of assignments received by staff. Edith Cowan University through Kurongkurl Katitjin, the School of Indigenous Studies, is strongly committed to the educational advancement of Indigenous Australians. Objectives include the continual improvement in the retention and success rate of local and remote Indigenous students in enabling and award courses. Other strategies to increase the success and retention rates for Indigenous students include establishing an additional five satellite regional centres in key locations around Western Australia to provide academic, technical, study skills and counselling support for students. The YANDI system also helps in managing academic staff workloads for the AUOC, and to ensure the same lecturer is allocated to repeating students, thereby maximising continuity. It has been displayed at two Indigenous Information Technology and Education Conferences and has generated a lot of interest from other institutions and secondary schools. The Indigenous Information Technology staff are currently working to enable staff and students to access YANDI via the web, with appropriate limitations and security. For further information contact: Graeme Gower Stefan Szo |
CONTENTSThis edition of Learning for All provides details of some significant developments in the education and training of Indigenous Australians in the schools, vocational education and training, and higher education sectors. The publication also provides information on research findings and best practice in education. Closing the Gaps – an overview of outcomes for Indigenous students in the different sectors. Introduction – the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, the Hon Dr David Kemp MP. The National Indigenous English Literacyand Numeracy Strategy – a major initiative to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous students. Absenteeism investigated – examines the attendance rates of Indigenous students at all levels of schooling and ways to improve them. Is there a relationship between the school success of Indigenous students and positive self-identity? – considers the relationship between school outcomes and the self-identities of young Indigenous Australians. Developing Best Practice with Indigenous New Apprenticeships – identifies innovative ways to implement Indigenous New Apprenticeships. Helping Indigenous students make the transition from school to work – examines how Indigenous students are performing at a number of transition points from school to work. (continued over page) Green Corps – discusses the participation of Indigenous people in this national training programme for young Australians. What Works? – discusses effective teaching strategies, which were trialled in schools throughout Australia during 1998 and 1999. 17 Partners in a Learning Culture – outlines the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 1999–2005. Partners in a Learning Culture – outlines the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 1999–2005. Kardu Kigay – young men in a remote Aboriginal community are helped to develop self-esteem, strengthen English literacy and numeracy skills and gain skills for possible future employment. Territorian takes out top training award – for Indigenous students in the 2000 Australian Training Awards. Career options and the world of work – help for Indigenous students and their parents to make choices about their education and careers. Gumala Mirnuwarni – “coming together to learn”, Indigenous community, schools and industry in the Karratha region of Western Australia work together. WADU “together in partnership and trust” – innovative workplace learning experiences for Indigenous secondary students. Indigenous law students gain work experience – since the 1970s Indigenous law students have been helped to successfully complete their degree. Yandi – an assignment and assessment tracking database to increase the success and retention rates for Indigenous students. Open Learning Initiatives to Assist Indigenous Australians – aim to improve access to education for Indigenous people. The Facts and Figures section – profiles trends in participation by Indigenous Australians across all sectors of education and training. Questionnaire: Learning for All: Opportunities for Indigenous Australians. – The editors would appreciate your feedback on the pilot edition of Learning For All. |