Teaching the teachers Aboriginal Studies: impact on teaching [EIP 05/02]

This report is based on a survey and telephone interviews with a sample of primary school teachers in New South Wales who had undertaken either a core or elective Aboriginal Studies subject as a component of their initial teacher education degree.  392 teachers from 201 primary schools across NSW took part in the survey and 18 teachers from 13 schools were invited to take part in the interviews.  The aim of the research was to evaluate the impact of pre-service primary teacher education Aboriginal studies subjects on teachers self-perceived abilities to appreciate, understand and teach Aboriginal studies and perspectives in Australian schools.  The research project also compared and contrasted these teachers’ self perceptions with teachers who had not undertaken an Aboriginal studies subject as part of  their initial teacher education course.  The project sought to identify useful structure and content that would strengthen teacher’s ability to teach Aboriginal studies and Aboriginal students.

Analysis of data found that pre-service Aboriginal studies make a positive difference for teachers.  Teachers felt they knew more about Aboriginal history, current issues, pedagogy for teaching Aboriginal studies and generally were more effective teachers for Aboriginal students.  The findings of this study also offer insights into how to strengthen Aboriginal studies courses. This research was funded under the Evaluations and Investigations Programme (EIP).

Executive summary: download PDF    (149.3 KB, 13 pages)
Executive summary: download RTF    (266.5 KB, 13 pages)

Report: download PDF    (1.1 MB, 98 pages)
Report: download RTF    (2.5 MB, 98 pages)

Not published in hard copy format