Date of Award

2024

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (College of Education)

Schools and Centres

Education

First Supervisor

Professor Marguerite Maher

Second Supervisor

Dr Linda Bellen

Abstract

This study was undertaken at the request of and in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, community members and families, and educators. These First Nations participants allowed the study to explore what might contribute to the creation of a successful model of education for First Nations children to lead them to be successful contributing members of the community.

The cultural interface theory is the theoretical framework used in the design of this research project. Through the implementation of the phenomenographic methodology, knowledge was gathered through semi-structured interviews with participants. By listening and questioning, a picture of the educational experiences of the First Nations participants was formed. This backdrop was the foundation from which participants provided their thoughts, beliefs and philosophies beyond the classroom and how they saw it as pivotal that these elements be included within classrooms in a model of successful education for First Nations children. A strength of this study is the inclusion of the voices of First Nations children living the education experience. Interviews with educators who have experience working with First Nations children provided a measure of triangulation.

Data analysis, following phenomenographic principles, resulted in there being four conceptions with 11 related themes that provided the basis for a model of education that would likely lead to success for First Nations children. While this study is limited to participants from Sydney, Australia, the model may prove helpful for others grappling with the best way to meet the educational needs of First Nations children.

Putting theory into practice, the thesis concludes with a description of the development of a ‘learning place’ for young First Nations children based on the model from the study. And this is just the beginning.

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