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Connecting the puzzle pieces for Indigenous curriculum in professional programs
Abstract   Peer reviewed

Connecting the puzzle pieces for Indigenous curriculum in professional programs

David Hollinsworth and Michael L Gardiner
2012 Learning & Teaching Week Program, p.14
Learning & Teaching Week, 2012 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 20-Aug-2012–24-Aug-2012)
2012
url
https://www.usc.edu.au/View
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Abstract

Curriculum and Pedagogy
For many years universities have worked to develop Indigenous studies curriculum specifically to address the need for professions including teaching, nursing, medicine, social work, counselling and natural resource management for Indigenous cultural competency. Decades of experience and research have combined to support a process of curriculum mapping that progressively extends from introductory foundation courses through to advanced level, professionally-specific courses tied to placements. These standalone courses are complemented by embedding Indigenous content across the curriculum to connect all the pieces, but this method is not a substitute for standalone curriculum. These findings were confirmed in the 2011 Universities Australia (UA) National Best Practice Framework for Indigenous Cultural Competency in Australian Universities. This presentation will outline the learning and teaching principles of incorporating Indigenous content with professional programs as captured in the UA National Best Practice Framework along with a review of the evidence on which the framework is based. These issues are especially relevant to USC given that most Queensland schools do not provide any Indigenous studies for our students. The presentation will analyse key questions about the implications of the framework for curriculum and program development given that it is likely USC will be expected to progressively achieve Indigenous cultural competency for all graduates. Key issues include linkage to graduate attributes, mandatory or elective offerings, implications for staff professional development, and the need for critical reflection on one's own culture and positionality. An example will demonstrate the difficulties when the pieces remain unconnected.

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