Every Queensland school to teach Indigenous culture

Last month an article was published discussing a new policy to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture into all Queensland schools. The article received some minor coverage and prompted a few comments from readers of the Courier Mail - the comments were for me disappointing but really not surprising. I'd like to contribute some discussion

Firstly, the teaching of Aborignal & Torres Strait Islander perspectives into classrooms will not by itselt "close the gap" of student educational outcomes.

A number of schools have already worked hard to ensure that cultural perspectives have been embedded across their curriculums. For the bulk of schools however, this challenge will require quite an investment.

However, in thinking more about this issue - I would challenge teachers to NOT consider embedding Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander perspectives as a burden.

If you only consider this as something that "I have to do", then you will probably not teach it effectively. Rather, approach the embedding of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander perspectives that will provide you with a much more well-rounded knowledge of Australia.

(Originally posted in Critical Classroom on TypePad on 09/02/2010)

50 ways to use wikis for a more collaborative classroom

It may seem bizzare that a blog devoted to talking about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives should have this post as its second one - yes, true - but perhaps we won't do things in an expected way.

Do you have a PLN? No, you don't have a Personal Learning Network you say?

Well, I'm a firm believer that social media and a full range of technologies can only help to support teachers in developing their critical classrooms.

In the future, we hope to run a few e-learning sessions & pds - so be prepared :)

I found thisarticle on smartteaching.org via Gerald Weber on Twitter.

50 Ways to Use Wikis for a More Collaborative and Interactive Classroom

(Originally posted in criticalclassrom on TypePad on 9th January 2009)

Welcome to the Critical Classroom

We acknowledge the traditional owners of this continent, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and we acknowledge our families and communities.

What is the Critical Classroom?
The Critical Classroom is a space that aims to provide dialogue, problem-solving, facilitation and knowledge to classroom teachers embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges into their classroom.
We'll provide original posts, links to deadly posts & articles by others, as well as product reviews and practical in-class suggestions.

Send us your questions & queries.

We look forward to connecting to people around the country.
Cheers, Leesa & Lisa

PS - We've moved homes from TypePad to Blogger. Some of our dates will be a bit wonky as I cut and paste them into here.