A Motivational Psychology for the Education of Indigenous Australian Students

Andrew J. Martin

doi:10.1017/S1326011100004142

Authors

Andrew J. Martin University of Sydney

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1017/S1326011100004142

Abstract

This article explores an integrative framework for a motivational psychology for the education of Indigenous students. Drawing on and adapting Graham’s (1994) taxonomy for motivational psychology, it is suggested that enhancing the educational outcomes of Indigenous students involves addressing factors relevant to the self (positive identity, academic self-concept, and academic resilience), cognitive and affective factors (that facilitate motivation, engagement, achievement, and enjoyment of school), socialisation and child-rearing antecedents (the role of the family), failure dynamics (fear of failure and shame), the role of significant others and their contexts (peers, community, teachers, schools, and the scope for pastoral pedagogy), and the issue of young people’s pathways and transitions. Values, attitudes, and approaches to school and schoolwork that are common across Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students and the role of positive psychology are also explored as a means of contributing to a better general understanding of human behaviour.

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