Systemic Learning Approaches: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ways of Knowing

Overview

• Systemic learning approaches situate the learner within a broader system, emphasizing interconnectedness and relationships.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing exemplify this approach, viewing learning as embedded in relationships and a multimodal system of knowledge patterned on Country.

KEY TAKEAWAY: Systemic learning acknowledges that learning is not isolated but connected to a larger context.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Approaches to Learning

Core Principles

• Holistic Perspective: Learning is interconnected with all aspects of life, including culture, history, community, and the environment.
• Relational Learning: Knowledge is transmitted and understood through relationships between learner, teacher, community, and Country.
• Experiential Learning: Learning occurs through active participation, observation, and practical application in real-world contexts.
• Place-Based Learning: Knowledge is deeply connected to specific locations and landscapes (Country), with stories, traditions, and practices tied to particular places.
• Multimodal Knowledge: Learning involves multiple senses and modes of communication, including storytelling, art, music, dance, and physical interaction with the environment.

Key Elements

1. Country:

   • Definition: Refers to the land, waterways, skies, and all living things within a specific area; it is more than just physical geography.
   • Importance: Country is a source of knowledge, identity, and cultural connection. Learning is patterned on Country, meaning it’s shaped by the environment and its inherent knowledge systems.

2. Relationships:

   • Learner-Teacher: Strong relationships built on respect, trust, and guidance are crucial for effective learning.
   • Community Involvement: Elders and community members play a vital role in sharing knowledge and cultural practices.
   • Intergenerational Learning: Knowledge is passed down through generations, ensuring continuity and cultural preservation.

3. Multimodal System of Knowledge:

   • Storytelling: Oral traditions are used to transmit history, cultural values, and practical skills.
   • Visual Arts: Paintings, carvings, and other art forms communicate knowledge and cultural meanings.
   • Music and Dance: Ceremonies and performances reinforce cultural identity and transmit knowledge through rhythm, movement, and song.
   • Non-Verbal Communication: Observation, imitation, and hands-on experience are essential components of learning.

Examples of Multimodal Learning

• Learning about plants:

  • Visual: Identifying plants by their appearance.
  • Auditory: Learning the traditional names of plants and their uses through stories.
  • Kinesthetic: Gathering and preparing plants for food or medicine.
  • Spiritual: Understanding the cultural significance of plants and their connection to Country.

• Learning about animals:

  • Observation: Watching animal behavior and tracking their movements.
  • Storytelling: Learning about animal characteristics and their role in the ecosystem through traditional stories.
  • Practical Skills: Learning how to hunt or fish sustainably.

Eight Ways of Learning Framework

This framework highlights key pedagogical approaches used in Aboriginal education:

1. Story Sharing: Learning through narrative.
2. Learning Maps: Explicitly mapping or diagramming knowledge.
3. Non-Verbal: Learning through observation and imitation.
4. Symbols and Images: Using visual representations.
5. Land Links: Connecting learning to Country.
6. Non-Linear: Understanding knowledge as interconnected rather than sequential.
7. Deconstruct/Reconstruct: Breaking down and rebuilding concepts.
8. Community Links: Learning through community involvement.

APPLICATION: Understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander approaches to learning can inform culturally responsive teaching practices for all students.

Comparison with Traditional Western Learning

EXAM TIP: Be prepared to compare and contrast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learning approaches with other learning theories, such as behaviourism or social-cognitive theory.

Importance and Relevance

• Cultural Preservation: Ensures the transmission of cultural knowledge and traditions to future generations.
• Community Empowerment: Strengthens community bonds and promotes self-determination.
• Educational Equity: Provides culturally appropriate and effective learning experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
• Broader Application: Offers valuable insights into the importance of context, relationships, and experiential learning for all learners.

STUDY HINT: Connect the concept of systemic learning to other areas of psychology, such as social psychology and developmental psychology, to gain a deeper understanding.