Integration of First Nations history, culture, and their ways of knowing is critical to the success and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people. This unit enables preservice teachers to develop pedagogical practices that incorporates an understanding of the strengths and challenges for First Nations learners and in doing so identify strategies to enhance their academic success. In this unit, preservice teachers will engage in critical reflection of contemporary Western approaches and attitudes to education and in doing so develop a richer understanding of student-focused, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approaches to teaching. The importance of family and community and their collaborative role in the education of their children will also be discussed. Preservice teachers will also practice critical self-inquiry and discover their positionality and how this impacts their classroom practice.
PRESCRIBED TEXT - ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER EDUCATION AN INTRODUCTION FOR THE TEACHING PROFESSION
