Unit Catalogue

Integration of First Nations histories, cultures, and ways of knowing is critical to the success and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people. This unit develops preservice teachers' capability to design culturally responsive, culturally safe and strengths-based pedagogy that recognises the diversity of First Nations communities and the central role of family and community in education. Through critical self-inquiry into positionality, assumptions and biases, and by engaging with First Nations voices and local contexts, students examine the impact of historical and contemporary policies, build respectful relationships with parents/carers and community representatives, and plan teaching that embeds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across learning areas. Emphasis is placed on creating classroom environments that are culturally safe--where First Nations students' identity, language and culture are respected and protected--and on using evidence-informed strategies that enhance engagement, achievement and wellbeing for First Nations learners.