Guidebook to increase student inclusion, retention and unit completion
A new learning resource designed to engage First Nations students to complete courses and succeed in tertiary education will be rolled out to Charles Darwin University (CDU) lecturers from today.
The lecturer guidebook by researchers from CDU’s Northern Institute and Faculty of Arts and Society aims to support lecturers engaging with First Nations students in ways that demonstrate and promote cultural responsiveness, inclusion, and respect.
The guidebook outlines what responsibilities CDU lecturers have in creating an inclusive, student-centered environment, why First Nations content needs to be embedded into curriculum, and examples of how lecturers supported their First Nations students to succeed.
The guidebook will also help CDU achieve a 75 per cent unit success rate in degree education for First Nations students, as outlined in the CDU Strategic Plan 2021-2026.
The guidebook was created as part of a larger, strategic initiative funded by the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP).
The project is led by Senior Lecturer Dr Tracy Woodroffe alongside Dr Kate Golebiowska, researcher Alicia Boyle, Associate Professor Guzyal Hill and research associate Pawnee Yuhun.
Dr Woodroffe said the resource was the result of an intensive three-year research project which involved surveys, interviews, focus groups with lecturers and professional staff at CDU campuses, and more.
“Our research has resulted in findings that will create more opportunities for success at Charles Darwin University,” Dr Woodroffe said.
Dr Golebiowska said the guidebook emphasizes the importance of personal relationships, creating safe learning environments, cultural inclusion and a strengths-based approach.
“The guidebook provides evidence-based strategies shared by CDU lecturers in Higher Education that illustrate cultural responsiveness in and outside the classroom and can help improve the ability of lecturers to support First Nations students in navigating the challenges of higher education,” Dr Golebiowska said.
The guidebook is available from the Northern Institute and online. It can support both degree education staff and CDU TAFE staff, making it accessible to more than 1,100 people within the University.
A companion guidebook for First Nations undergraduate students, also developed as part of this research, will be published by the end of the year.
Related Articles
Shell yeah: PhD project gives critical insights into vulnerable species
A study into the foraging habits of green turtles in the Northern Territory has used an innovative surveying technique which could become a critical tool in monitoring marine habitats in remote and challenging environments.
Read more about Shell yeah: PhD project gives critical insights into vulnerable species
Nation’s first Rabbi-turned-Judge to deliver 15th Austin Asche Oration
Freedom of political communication will be under the spotlight at the 15th annual Austin Asche Oration, with the nation’s first Orthodox rabbi to serve as a Supreme Court justice set to deliver the prestigious presentation at Charles Darwin University.
Read more about Nation’s first Rabbi-turned-Judge to deliver 15th Austin Asche Oration
Location-specific solutions needed to manage heat in global climate crisis
Place-specific strategies for adapting to increasing temperatures are crucial to keeping remote towns and communities across Northern Australia habitable, according to a recent study on the future impacts of climate change-intensified heat on people in the geographic edges of Australia.
Read more about Location-specific solutions needed to manage heat in global climate crisis
