Quality Teaching and Learning for Indigenous Learners

Dr Chris MatthewsChair, ATSIMA

Senior Lecturer, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University

Quality Teaching and Learning

• Culturally responsive pedagogy;– Indigenous learners are more vulnerable to Bad

pedagogy, Good pedagogy will benefit all learners;– The secret: the ability to link principles of learning

with deep understand of (and appreciation for) culture.

G.Ladson-Billings (2014) Culturally Relevant Pedagogy 2.0: a.k.a the Remix, Harvard Educational Review, Spring, 84(1).

What is Mathematics?

Reality Maths

Abstraction

Creative

Critical Reflection

Symbols

Cultural Bias

Goompi Model: Keeping Connections

Reality Maths

Abstraction

Creative

Critical Reflection

Symbols

Cultural Bias

My Promise…..

• NSW STEM Camp– Collaboration between NSW AECG, NSW DEC and

ATSIMA;• Garma Maths: Yirrkala Community School– Two way learning

• 2014 Conference

NSW STEM CAMP

• 130 Indigenous school students from across NSW;

• Multi-age group: Years 5 – 10;• Travelled in from a huge radius– Boggabilla, Bourke, Brewarrina, Collarenebri,

Coonamble, Inverell, Moree, Narromine, Taree, Toronto, Walgett and Wilcannia;

NSW STEM CAMP

• How are we being culturally responsive?– Community where involved in a meaningful way (NSW AECG);– Indigenous academics/professionals where involved

throughout the program• The maths of fire (Assoc. Prof Jason Sharples);• Quantifying the value of resources (Dr Cass Hunter);• Fractals (Prof. Rowena Ball)• Linear Equations (Dr Chris Matthews)

– Other experiences• Robotics workshop (FIRST, Macquarie University)• Engineering workshop (Engineer without Borders)

Goompi Model: Keeping Connections

Reality Maths

Abstraction

Creative

Critical Reflection

Symbols

Cultural Bias

NSW STEM CAMP: Growing Patterns

• Why is this culturally responsive pedagogy?– Allowing students to express their understanding;– Making Connection between reality, patterns and

mathematics: two way connection;– Allowing students to create for themselves;

NSW STEP CAMP: Growing Patterns

Yirrkala Community School: Garma Maths

• ACARA: Indigenous cross curriculum priority– had a “content elaboration” referring to kinship;– this came from Yirrkala: Garma Maths;

• Kathy McMahon, Banbapuy Whitehead, Yalmay Yunupingu, Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr;

• Stuart Bramston (Principal);• The story……

Djeṯ class Brainstorm

× ÷ − = +groups miṯtji(clan)

left over? (take away)marramadjaw’yun(take it)manaŋi(steal it)

numberḺakamanhämunyŋayi(How many is this?)

togetherrrambaŋi nhina(sit together)waŋgany manapan(all together)

(Eagle)

2 x 5

waŋgaguma number two ga

Miṯtjinhämuny?

= 10

5 x 3 =

groupsMiṯtji

How many?nhämuny?Ḻakarama

dhäwu(Storytelling)

= 15

ATSIMA 2014 Conference

• Main themes that emerged from the conference:– Culture and Identity;– Leadership;– Transition;– Investment;– Quality teaching.

ATSIMA 2016 Conference

• Value us, Value our education, Value our future;

• Please register your interest at www.atsima.com

• Hope to see you there!!!!!