The aim of this thesis is to provide a framework, background material and
argument for the A.C.T. Aboriginal community and other Aboriginal
educational and cultural groups to develop submissions seeking funds for
Aboriginal Studies Resource Centres. The ACT Aboriginal Education
Consultative Group has given the thesis a definite focus and underlined the
importance of gaining Aboriginal, systemic and political support.
The study includes both theoretical and empirical components and practical
suggestions as to the organisation and activities of such a centre. The
early part of the study is devoted to providing background to an Aboriginal
Studies Resource Centre, it also covers the formation and development of the
A.C.T. Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.
Following the outlining of the aims and objectives of such a centre,
theoretical issues concerned with selection and organisation of centre
materials, the need for interpretation of objectives and the understanding
of values together with curriculum implications and learning activities of
an Aboriginal studies resource centre are discussed. Two major thrusts in
these discussions are that Aboriginal people must be involved and the
question of values must be considered because human behaviour depends on
values, and behavioural change is regarded as one of the main measures of
success.
It is intended that while an Aboriginal Studies resource centre should
concentrate on its local area, it should draw materials from other parts of
Australia and the world, so that the local area can be placed in context.
It is envisaged that the materials would come from a wide range of
disciplines.
The A.C.T. Centre will endeavour to increase the comprehension of A.C.T.
Aborigines and non-Aborigines in matters Aboriginal, and will follow a
philosophy which holds that learning is the discovery of meaning or
understanding. A range of learning activities, including hands on
experiences are outlined. The functions of the Centre are described and the
involvement of Aborigines and non-Aborigines at all levels is discussed.
Evaluation of the Centre's success or otherwise will take cognisance of its
objectives and involve a range of outcomes. It is acknowledged that success
will be difficult to measure because of different amounts of student time
spent at the Centre and teacher and student expectations.
The thesis concludes that Aboriginal studies has not achieved its rightful
place in Australian education and that an Aboriginal Studies Resource Centre
would provide the material and human resources required for Aboriginal
studies to take its proper place in Australian education.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218788 |
| Date | January 1987 |
| Creators | Bourke, Colin J., n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Colin J. Bourke |
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