RoleM Representations, Oral Language, and Engagement in Mathematics

Indigenous Education Workers and Mornington Island Recently Jane Blackburn of RoleM travelled to Mornington Island to conduct a PD session and follow up activities in a number of classrooms. It is well known that imbedded within RoleM’s philosophy is a core commitment to community, which is why all Indigenous Education Workers (IEWs) are integral to our Professional training. In the past, these sessions have been exclusive to teachers. However Professor Elizabeth Warren believed from RoleM’s inception, that this is not in the interest of best practice, having the IEWs at these sessions promotes shared teaching environments.

IEWs are both instrumental and fundamental to achieving brighter outcomes for Indigenous students in both rural and remote communities. They serve as beacons of community, bridging the home and school divide and remain in the community long after teachers have left the school as this is also their home. They also provide valuable insights to the RoleM team as they endeavour to create culturally appropriate materials and interact with Indigenous students. Jane observed this at Mornington Island where the local IEW is a respected member

of the community who knows the family life of the Indigenous students. The IEW was able to offer important insights into the lived experience of the Mornington Indigenous students.

Jane worked collaboratively with one of the IEWs, who participated in our Professional training sessions. She was able to use RoleM pedagogy in her own way to ensure students were actively engaging in mathematics in a way that befits their communal environment and educational outcomes. Professor Elizabeth Warren and Eva deVries know this, which is why they are committed to supporting Indigenous communities by including and supporting IEWs. There are currently eight IEWs in RoleM supported schools who are up-skilling via the Australian Catholic University through its Bachelor of Education program.

Special Edition

SPECIAL EDITION ON SOME OF THE IMPORTANT MEMBERS WORKING WITH ROLEM

In this edition read about some of the Indigenous Education Workers who play a key role in making RoleM so successful.

IEW working with students in the classroom

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INDIGENOUS EDUCATION WORKS AND PALM ISLANDRoleM is dedicated to supporting Indigenous Education Workers in gaining formal qualifications. For Palm Island, having fully qualified Indigenous teachers is part of the rebuilding and capacity building process. Indeed, it is an integral part of achieving greater self-determination for Indigenous people across Australia. Qualified teachers in the RoleM project help IEWs who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program by offering tutoring assistance, both at the ACU campus and when they regularly visit the island for follow ups. Indigenous teachers in training can also contact the RoleM team directly if they need help with their studies. Furthermore IEWs are included in all teacher professional development opportunities offered by the RoleM team.

Veronica Couts was a Palm Island Indigenous Education Worker who has been able to utilize RoleM support during her Bachelor of Education. She was an IEW for some time before enrolling wtih the Australian Catholic University to undergo her intensive Education degree. With regular support from RoleM in the form of tutoring and development, she has been able to complete her study while at the same time working to support her family. Success stories like Veronica’s are not a one off, but are becoming regular occurrences in RoleM schools. It is our commitment to community building seen through our work on the ground with IEWs that is resulting in the gradual improvement of education results in these challenged communities. The future is hopeful, as Veronica is one of many mature IEWs furthering their study in order to sustain and build their own communities.

INDIGENOUS STAFF IN THE ROLEM FAMILY To ensure all our learning experiences are culturally appropriate, we rely on our informed members of staff. Danielle Armour, Margy Teka and Jaydin Cole are three core members of the RoleM program who have Indigenous heritage and close ties to the Indigenous community. Their involvement is absolutely essential to the ongoing effectiveness of the RoleM program as they assist in making sure our learning experiences are inclusive and effective. They also liaise with teachers, IEWs and key personnel in community, providing help and support to all involved with the RoleM project.

Before coming to RoleM, Danielle worked as an Indigenous Teacher Assistant (ITA) in Arnhem Land. She then completed her Bachelor of Education at ACU. Danielle is now a qualified teacher completing her Masters of Education under the mentoring of Professor Elizabeth Warren. RoleM supports Danielle in her postgraduate work by ensuring she receives the necessary support in her study. She is an essential member of RoleM, who brings her own experiences and knowledge to our research.

Jaydin Cole is also working towards being a primary school teacher and is supported by members of the RoleM team. He has also worked in Northern Queensland as an Indigenous Teacher Assistant in various capacities. Jaydin is one of our core ‘travellers,’ and is constantly on the move from school to school assisting with the implementation of RoleM into various communities. He is invaluable to the project as he has an in-depth knowledge of community and his jovial personality fosters tight bonds with the teachers, IEWs and school personnel, who use RoleM products.

Another member of our team is Margy Teka who is also training to become a primary school teacher through the Australian Catholic University. Margy brings to the group, a mature and caring attitude towards communities, staff and all who come in contact with her, working alongside our fully trained staff as they deliver the learning experiences and Professional training days. Margy is in her third year of study and is well on her way to becoming an excellent teacher.

Department of Education, Employmentand Workplace RelationsAUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY

www.rolem.com.au & info@rolem.com.au

Jaydin Cole working in a classroom

Danielle works with students using the Bee-

Bot

Margy demonstrates equivalence using

balance scales