Indigenous Teaching and Learning

The Indigenous Teaching and Learning Strategy guides academic staff on embedding culturally safe practices across courses. It highlights the impact of personal worldviews on education and the necessity for ongoing self-reflection. The strategy aims to foster respectful and equitable education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by addressing historical and societal injustices. Additionally, it includes a Cultural Warning to sensitively alert Indigenous students to potentially distressing content.

The Indigenous Acknowledgement Page for Canvas Spaces provides academic staff with guidance on integrating culturally safe practices into their courses. It emphasises the importance of understanding how one's worldview impacts teaching and learning, and highlights the need for lifelong critical self-reflection. This page also underscores the significance of addressing inequities stemming from historical and societal injustices, such as colonisation and racism, to promote respectful and equitable education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Additionally, it includes a Cultural Warning statement to respectfully alert Indigenous students about potentially distressing content in learning materials.

Swinburne University of Technology offers a comprehensive array of professional development opportunities aimed at actively involving teaching staff from both the vocational education and higher education sectors in deepening their understanding of Indigenous knowledges, cultures, and educational approaches. The purpose of Swinburne's professional development offerings is not only to enhance the professional growth of teaching staff but also to contribute to reconciliation efforts and promote social justice in education. By engaging with Indigenous knowledges, cultures, and educational approaches, Swinburne aims to create a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape that values and respects the diversity of all learners.

Resources:
- ELMO
- VE/HE links (this will be built in 2025)
- Koorie Heritage Trust Training
- Mat Jakobi, Associate Professor, Indigenous Teaching and Learning

Swinburne's Indigenous Learning Circles acknowledge Country and Traditional Owners by integrating aspects of Country, people, culture and art to provide a unity across all campuses. The design provides place for people to gather, where knowledge can be exchanged and cultural engagement can occur. Please refer to the Indigenous Learning Circles Guide for Teaching Staff for more information.

The School of Social Science, Film, and Media, and Education offers a comprehensive Indigenous Studies major and minor program. These programs aim to provide students with a thorough understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and contemporary issues. The major and minor enable students to engage with Indigenous perspectives across various disciplines.

Swinburne is committed to helping upskill and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples wanting to teach in the university space.

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE)
This program equips participants to administer training and assessments within the vocational education and training sector. It covers competency-based assessments, designing learning programs, delivering presentations, and facilitating training in workplace settings.

Graduate Certificate of Learning and Teaching (Higher Education)
Designed for those working in academic or academic support roles, this program focuses on creative approaches to curriculum design and delivery, including digital technologies and blended learning modes.

Employment Opportunities
Swinburne offers various teaching positions across different disciplines. You can explore and apply for these opportunities through our employment page.

The Indigenous Teaching and Learning Strategy guides Indigenous teaching and learning across the higher education sector and makes a formal commitment to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and respecting the value and sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.

• Carissa Lee, Indigenous Research Fellow
• Suzi Hutchings, Professor, Indigenous Research Development
• Mat Jakobi, Associate Professor, Indigenous Teaching and Learning