Cultural Immersion

the key to the next 50 years?

Cathie Burgess & Pat (Paddy) CavanaghAboriginal Studies Association NSW Australia

The ‘Connecting to Country’ Program

A 5-day intensive professional development program targeting Principals, New Scheme and newly appointed teachers in 300 targeted schools:

a 3 day cultural immersion program conducted by local AECGs;

AND

a subsequent 2 day program provided by DEC's AECE

Data Analysis

Quantitative data:

• 357 participant evaluations (AECG)

Qualitative data: individual interviews and focus groups:

• 54 participating teachers

Impact of Cultural Immersion

• 98.2%

• 97.5%

• 90.5%

• 81.1%

• 83.8%

• 94.6%

positive response from participants with no prior learning

of ALL participants increased knowledge & understanding

reported adopting new approaches to teaching history & culture

reported changed approaches to teaching Aboriginal students

reported enhanced confidence and understanding in developing relationships with Aboriginal parents & community

would recommend this program to other teachers

Wenger’s conceptual framework – social learning systems (1998, 2000)

Demonstrates how two perceivably different and conflicting communities can become a community of practice – transformative potential in Aboriginal education

Modes of belonging Communities of practice

Analysis: modes of belonging Engagement Imagination Alignment

“It was a very inclusive program. I felt befriended and I think every Australian should attend something like this --- it was so effective in building bridges. And I loved being with my Aboriginal colleagues in an informal setting where everyone was on the same level and working together”.

Analysis: communities of practice Joint enterprise Mutuality Shared repertoire

“The excursion to Mootwingee was a real shared experience.... It was something to build a relationship on and it helped me make real connections … it was a platform for me to have a shared story, walking around together, chatting about life , home and kids. It was like a family putting on a demonstration of their strength …. a happy party”.

BENEFITSof learning through a social process

Perceptions of ‘Other’ community changed

Shared purpose and brokering

relationships

Empowering teachers and impact on pedagogy

THE CHALLENGE of the next 50 years?

Explicating theory – awareness of practice

Transforming good learning to good

teaching

Bringing cultural immersion into the classroom