Nyungar Education in a South West Australian Location: A Perspective
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https://doi.org/10.1017/S1326011100002763Abstract
Abstract
Assimilation of the Nyungar kids into the system takes place. Those who assimilate better, do better in school. Those who don't assimilate well, have problems with the system. (John, Primary School teacher, 6/8/93) (cited in Wooltorton, 1993)
According to this teacher, assimilation is inevitable, therefore the school should assist that process. This paper examines and presents a perspective on the extent and effect of assimilation and suggests that the negative outcomes of the education of Nyungars is a result of assimilationist teaching practices and school culture. Further, it recommends that Nyungar education be underpinned by Nyungar control of Nyungar education, which consists of the followingprinciples: Nyungar decision-makers, Nyungar teachers, Nyungar parent involvement in educational implementation and decision-making and culturally appropriate teaching methods and teaching spaces.
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References
Coolangatta Statement on Indigenous Rights in Education( 1993) Wollongong, Australia: World Indigenous People's Education Conference.
Education Department of Western Australia( 1994a) Strategic Plan 1994-1996.
Education Department of Western Australia( 1994b) Student Achievement in Health and Physical Education in Western Australian Government Schools.
Education Department of Western Australia( 1994c) Student Achievement in Studies of Society and Environment in Western Australian Government Schools.
Gardiner J., Evans D. and Howell K. ( 1995) ‘ Suspension and exclusion rates for Aboriginal students in Western Australia’. The Aboriginal Child at School 23: 32– 35.
Katijin Nyoongar Advisory Committee( 1989) Retention Rates of Nyoongar Secondary Students in the South of Western Australia: Phase One Report. Bunbury, Australia: Bunbury Institute of Advanced Education(Unpubl.)
Ministerial Council on Education, Western Australia( 1993) 1992 Profiles of Student Achievement in English and mathematics in Western Australian Government Schools: Monitoring Standards in Education Project. Perth, Australia: Ministry of Education, Western Australia.
South Western Times( 1993) ‘ Education fails local Nyungars’. Thursday, 9 September.
Wooltorton S. ( 1993) Nyungars at School: A Study of Cultural Difference and Underachievement. Unpublished Masters Thesis.
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Copyright (c) 1997 The Author(s)
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