This report builds on a related report - Teaching the teachers Aboriginal Studies: impact on teaching which investigates the impact of mandatory Aboriginal studies subjects on pre service primary teachers. Volume I of this report goes beyond the first report by focusing on the content covered in Aboriginal studies subjects and strategies used by teacher education institutions to introduce mandatory Aboriginal studies as well as any barriers or difficulties that can prevent such courses being introduced. Volume II provides case studies of the development, implementation and evaluation of successful core subjects.
In terms of impact, teachers who undertook an Aboriginal studies subject found that they increased their knowledge of the subject matter, had a better self-concept and confidence in teaching Aboriginal studies and Aboriginal students and overall was valuable. The content of these courses can be diverse and includes sociocultural and historical issues, practicum teaching experience with Aboriginal classes, curriculum methodology, pedagogy, cultural issues and contemporary Aboriginal issues.
Successful strategies depend on both external factors such as the political climate, lobbying by key organisations, state government educations boards requirements regarding Aboriginal studies units. Internal factors include support by key people such as the Vice Chancellor as well as being able to build on existing units of Aboriginal studies.
The types of barriers to Aboriginal studies being included in pre-service teacher education included timing, funding and how full the curriculum already was.
Volume I includes a literature review, research findings and an analysis of the case studies.
Volume II includes all the information related to the case studies which were conducted at the Australian Catholic University, University of Southern Queensland and University of Western Sydney. These case studies show that collaboration between schools of education and Aboriginal education units, direct interaction between students and Indigenous people, cultures and societies through the use of Indigenous guest speakers, practicum and field experiences all contributed to successful implementation of Aboriginal studies. Each case study provides information on context, features, staffing and structure of the subject, topics taught, effective strategies, resources, student reflections and assessment tasks. This report was funded under the Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Programme.