This course follows a learning pathway that engages participants in understanding Indigenous artmaking as knowledge sharing, informed by praxial concepts such as place, people, story, community, and diplomacy.
Focused on Indigenous knowledge sharing through creative works, predominantly from northern Australia, the course aims to develop participants' understanding of Australian Indigenous arts and their role in communicating knowledge, with a focus on applications in the education sector.
Australian Indigenous creative and cultural practices are presented as holistic ways of teaching and knowing about place and environment, people and community, language and communication, flora and fauna. The course gives primacy to Indigenous voices, exploring the creative works of First Nations' artists, designers, musicians, performers, and storytellers, with case studies from the Northern Territory.
The course is designed to empower educators in any discipline and level to enhance the learning of their students by broadening strategies and incorporating Indigenous perspectives into teaching practices. It addresses the national Australian curriculum's call for teachers to embed First Nations' perspectives, offering ways for teachers to connect with Indigenous materials and collaborate with Indigenous community stakeholders.
Educators will gain strategies to teach students in innovative ways, improving engagement and retention. Overall, the course provides an immersive experience for educators, researchers, teaching artists, and professionals interested in integrating Indigenous knowledge and creative practices into their work.
The course is suitable for educators seeking professional development at various educational levels, from pre-school to tertiary. A digital-badged certificate is provided on successful completion. Participants can use the course as credit towards postgraduate study in Education, Indigenous Studies, or the Arts and Humanities.