8 Aboriginal Ways of Learning

This academic factsheet explains 8 Aboriginal Ways of Learning as one view of Indigenous cultural competence and why it is important for those working with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students.

Using Aboriginal Knowledge Authentically

Teachers can use Aboriginal knowledge authentically and productively with students by:

Using the 8 Aboriginal Ways of Learning as a pedagogy framework.
Including Aboriginal perspectives using Aboriginal learning techniques.
Teaching through Aboriginal processes and protocols, not just Aboriginal content.
Validating and teaching through Aboriginal culture.
Enhancing learning for all students.

Common Ground Between Mainstream and Aboriginal Pedagogies

Learning through narrative.
Planning and visualizing explicit processes.
Working non-verbally with self-reflective, hands-on methods.
Learning through images, symbols, and metaphors.
Learning through place-responsive, environmental practice.
Using indirect, innovative, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Modeling and scaffolding by working from wholes to parts.
Connecting learning to local values, needs, and knowledge.

What is “8 ways” to develop Indigenous Cultural Competence?

The common ground between Western and Aboriginal pedagogy connects through shared stories.

Story Sharing

Approaching learning through narrative, where personal narratives (stories) are central to the process.

Learning Maps

Explicitly mapping/visualizing processes, using images or visuals to map out processes for learners to follow.

Non-Verbal

Applying intra-personal and kinaesthetic skills to thinking and learning. Kinaesthetic, hands-on, non-verbal learning is characteristic.

Symbols and Images

Using images and metaphors to understand concepts and content. Symbol, image, and metaphor are central to pedagogy.

Land Links

Place-based learning, linking content to local land and place. Ecological and place-based, drawn from the living landscape within a framework of profound ancestral and personal relationships with place.

Non-Linear

Producing innovations and understanding by thinking laterally. Non-linear ways of learning are complementary, not oppositional.

Deconstruct/Reconstruct

Modelling and scaffolding, working from wholes to parts. Begin with the whole structure, rather than a series of sequenced steps. Involves holistic, global, scaffolded and independent learning orientations of students.