Science Theme: Scale and Measurement

Teaching Approach: Indigenous Knowledge (IK)

Grade/s: P/1/2
Article: Embedding Indigenous Perspectives in Teaching School Science.
Author: Subhashni Devi Appanna
Link to article: http://journals.cambridge.org.ezproxy1.acu.edu.au/download.php?file=
%2F2704_9C99CF52C0CC6B656BBCEA9881A96BE4_journals__JIE_JIE40_S13260111000000
53a.pdf&cover=Y&code=1fb97328d8c6e8901e3a1a9fe14560df
Appannas (2011) article explores and provides insights into Indigenous science education
research, identifying and attempting to understand the cultural and language barriers in education.
In particular, the article examines how you can use these barriers of engagement to plan effective
strategies and learning opportunities to encourage participation and engagement of Indigenous
students in learning science. This article provides strategies and ways for both teachers and
parents to intertwine the barriers of engagement with engaging learning opportunities for students
who are disengaged. The article explores a range of approaches to teaching science education to
incorporate Indigenous knowledge including a cross-cultural approach, or incorporating Indigenous
knowledge into science content, contextualising western science in Indigenous settings.
Barriers of Engagement Faced by Indigenous Australian Students:

- Disaffected with school

- The relevance of the school curriculum is one explanation to the large number of Indigenous
students leaving school early. Contrast between the Indigenous views and the Western

worldview. This is due to the western emphasis on facts, explanations and producing knowledge
to progress society, where as, the Indigenous worldview of intelligence highlights value,
spirituality and holistic views to maintain society.
- Cultural exclusion and discrimination affecting students desire to go to school
- Language barriers
Effective Strategies to Engage Indigenous Students in Learning School Science:

Teacher-Student and Teacher-Community Relationships

Supportive Classroom Environment
Recognising Indigenous Students Knowledge Systems
Links with Indigenous Communities

Implications for Teachers

Important to build relationships with

Indigenous students in all aspects of
the classroom, providing opportunities
to explore their communities, provide
respect towards this and acknowledge
how they may differ from nonIndigenous communities.

- Ability to appreciate cultural differences and work with these to create a positive learning
environment.

- Empathy and respect for cultural identities to provide support within the classroom.
- Use a multifaceted approach to learning

- Recognise and understand differing perspectives, in particular, cultural perspectives of all

learners in their class when introducing new learning content.
- Provide support for students to cross borders and barriers in their learning

Implications that may exist in the

classroom and how you can positively
respond to these to create safe and
supportive environments for all
students.
In conclusion, the article provides ways and opportunities for teachers and parents to build cultural
bridges between the scientific and cultural world. It is the teachers responsibility and ultimate goal
to use the students language and culture as a positive influence, rather than a barrier to learning.
In particular the article emphasised the importance of teachers using differentiation and scaffolding
to assist students in bridging the gap between their culture and their scientific world to engage
them in their learning. The ability to use an Indigenous Teaching Approach is extremely effective for
all subject learning as this allows Indigenous students to make meaning and engagement with the
content knowledge to succeed in all aspects of their classroom learning.

Teachers responsibility and goal is to

use all students backgrounds, histories
and cultures as a positive impact on
teaching and learning, not view this as
a hindrance.

Teachers responsibility to scaffold

learning appropriately and effectively
for all students- promote reconciliation
in the classroom