Integrating Aboriginal values in education
Is there a space for traditional teaching within education?
Being an Aboriginal architect, many ask as to how we can embrace the qualities of first Australians within education. Some have told me that there is no relevance for traditional Aboriginal expression within contemporary learning, or have stated that there is no longer a point of difference as First Australians are largely ‘integrated.’ One answer is that our architecture could engage, embrace and become a medium for learning that captures Aboriginality, specific to each First Australian community. It’s out there, you just have to look. Actually, it is everywhere.
TAFE NSW Hunter Institute and Central Coast Districts leads the way as they bring together two worlds of knowing, to connect them and integrate the learning processes. The TAFE colleges span over fifteen campuses and acknowledge six traditional countries of Awabakal, Darkinjung, Geawegal, Kuring-gai, Wanaruah and Worimi. Pioneering this was TAFE teacher, Michael Clarke, who was instrumental in the emergence of Aboriginal teaching spaces. A series of learning platforms were built that provide opportunities to understand ideas and practices that come from First Australians.
Clarke says that, ‘Even though Aboriginal society has suffered cultural disruption, dislocation and physical damage to country, many Aboriginal Australians are alive with their old ways. So much so, that knowledge far surpasses any written form.’
The offering is for people of all cultures to understand Aboriginal cultures and their unique teaching methods. Often spoken by elders over fire, smoke, water and sky.
As with all projects, architectural form then simply follows the brief. We just need to ask the right people the right questions.
‘Even though Aboriginal society has suffered cultural disruption, dislocation and physical damage to country, many Aboriginal Australians are alive with their old ways. So much so, that knowledge far surpasses any written form.’
Wyong Campus: Aboriginal Learning Circle
The Aboriginal Learning Circle on the Wyong Campus, came about in response to an overwhelming need for a venue to facilitate cultural sharing by Traditional Knowledge Holders. Designed by Craig Kerslake and Michael Clarke with Darkinjung Elders, the small outdoor learning circle space located under the shade of an existing willow tree was constructed by TAFE landscape construction students and represents the significance of places of water and the typical animals of cultural significance that live in and around the sacred spaces.
As explained on the TAFE NSW Blog ‘The learning circle is a wonderful teaching activity. It gets the students out of the classroom into the fresh air and encourages them to think in a different capacity than usual. Sharing and a sense of community are both important aspects of the TAFE experience. The learning circle provides a platform for everyone to join and share without prejudice. It encourages students to be honest and open in the conversation and this allows for a richer learning experience.’
‘The learning circle is a wonderful teaching activity. It gets the students out of the classroom into the fresh air and encourages them to think in a different capacity than usual.’
