Psych U3 AOS2 Dot point 3

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives

Multimodel system of knowledge

Using a variety of different modes or ‘ways’ of learning. The 8 ways of knowing.

• Story: Yarning allows learning to be built on real-world experiences rather than TV, etc. 

• Map: Creating a map to show how the human world, physical world and sacred world are connected.

• NV: Traditional dances where movements reflect the patterns of animals. Can be used to relate to and connect with others.

• S/I: Can use symbols to represent landmarks, animals or objects. May also involve the use of metaphors.

• Land: When learning about photosynthesis, go out into nature, rather than reading a book.

• NL: Instead of just learning about one place, you could study a tool that was used in Rome, China and Australia and then compare it to something used today. 

• D/R: Read a passage in a new language and then break it down by examining the words and sentences in it.

• Community: Class may put together a book of stories, which is published and made available in the local library.

Ways of knowing

The kinship systems of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are complex and diverse across different nations. Kinship systems contribute to defining social roles in learning. Learning one Kinship system or way/system of learning doesn’t necessarily represent all the variations of kinship systems of knowing. ie. Acknowledge the different cultural groups and that one system can not necessarily be transferred to the next mob/community.

Patterned on country

Country refers to the traditional lands of a particular language or cultural group, including geographical boundaries as well as the spiritual, emotional and intellectual entities and connections within it. This includes people, relationships, animals, plants, geographical features, seasons, ancestors, artwork, tools, as well as knowledge of laws, songs, stories, etc. Ways of knowing are based on a deep respect for Country. People learn from, within, and through other entities, not just about them.

Example

• All entities on Country have their own language (the winds, tides, night sky, animals, plants, rivers, etc). These occur through different senses (scent, sound, sight, texture).

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples learn to observe relationships between entities on Country. Eg, when a particular constellation rises in the north sky, the winds are coming, or when a particular plant is flowering, the fish are plentiful in the river.

• Learning is to listen, observe, and sense the country. The country is multimodal. 

• Learning occurs through multiple modalities, e.g., story, song, dance, art, making, doing, etc.

• This is recognised in a learning framework called the eight  Aboriginal Ways of Learning.

bleh

blehbleh