Indigenous creativities, the Australian Curriculum, and pre-service teachers

Authors

Keywords:

Pre-service teacher education, in-service teacher education, ITE, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, cross curricular priorities, general capabilities, music and visual arts education, Australian curriculum, early years learning

Abstract

This research reports the impact of changes made to an Arts education module in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures within a Bachelor of Education degree, and the learning and experience of pre-service teachers in response to these changes. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and visual arts making was presented in the module as rich and abundant material to be reflected on and introduced in the classroom. The authors showcased the transformative possibilities for pre-service teachers of studying, reflecting on, and learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts practises. The authors who crafted the module regarded it as a way to encourage two-way (or both ways) learning in which the celebration of Aboriginal creative knowledges in teaching was encouraged. Pre-service teachers were surveyed, interviewed, and asked to reflect on their exposure to Aboriginal music and visual arts in their learning. The research mapped the growth in respect and understandings that studying Aboriginal arts and Torres Strait Islander creativities developed in pre-service teachers. The research showcased visual arts making from non-Aboriginal students that was produced in response to Aboriginal music and that demonstrated high levels of empathy and understanding.

Author Biographies

  • Sarah Jane Moore, Independent Creative Artist

    Sarah Jane is an independent creative artist and researcher. Her creative work explores a variety of different modes including painting, print making, sculpture, singing, performance and digital content. She holds a PhD entitled Reconciliation through Music and Art from the University of Sydney. Her publications include her songs, poetry, paintings, sculptures and other creative work. Sarah Jane has experience teaching Creativity and Learning at UWS, Arts Education: Music and Visual Arts at UTAS and has developed research projects for The University of Sydney, UTS and most recently the UNSW. Sarah Jane is passionate about embedding creativities within the learning and teaching context. 

    www.sarahjanemoore.com.au

    [email protected]

  • William Baker, The University of Tasmania

    Dr William J Baker
    Bill has degrees in Music Education, Education and Fine Art, a Graduate Certificate in University Learning and Teaching and is Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has received numerous teaching awards from the University of Tasmania, where he is lecturer in Arts education. A third edition of his co-authored book Teaching the Arts: Early Childhood and Primary education, published by Cambridge University Press, is due to be released in 2019.
    Email: [email protected]
    Web: http://www.utas.edu.au/education/people/bill-baker

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Published

2019-12-18

Issue

Section

General Refereed Papers