Cultural inclusivity in education
To support professional development and to enhance connection amongst staff, the School of Medicine and Psychology (SMP) hosted a Learning and Teaching Day with a focus on Indigenous culture, diversity and inclusion.
Co-created by the Associate Directors of Education at the School - Eryn Newman and Alexandra Webb - in collaboration with the Associate Dean First Nations, College of Health & Medicine, Dr Stewart Sutherland, along with Suzanne Bain-Donohue, Amanda Wingett, Dr Olivia Evans and Dr Junwen Chen - all academics within SMP - the interactive workshop was attended by over 40 staff.
“The design and development of the learning and teaching day was about prioritising decolonisation and indigenisation in education—activities aligned with our core values in SMP—and taking this opportunity to learn from each other. We are lucky to have the opportunity to learn from experts and leaders in SMP to support our development as a School in this area," said Associate Professor Eryn Newman.
The workshop covered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educational resources, a discussion about decolonisation and indigenisation of educational content, and an informative trivial pursuit game, which broadened the attendees’ knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and achievements.
Dr Conal Monaghan, a psychologist, educator, and researcher who has been working in education for a number of years said, “It was truly inspiring to see the interest and enthusiasm from the next generation of educators and researchers at the learning day.”
“I was impressed by their insightful questions and deep interest in how psychology and culture intersect to shape our learning experience. Their engagement promises a bright and impactful future for the field and for our students who will learn from them."
Dr Sutherland, and Ms Wingett, Lecturer in Indigenous Health at SMP, also opened the floor to any questions, encouraging attendees to ask the uncomfortable questions.
Ms Karlene Dickens, a Learning Designer from the Technology Enhanced Learning and Teaching team said, “The day was a very well organised, informative, and engaging with opportunities to learn, reflect and collaborate.”
“I particularly loved the trivia game and the safe space that Stewart and Amanda provided to ask the questions that we sometimes aren’t sure we should. It was great to have so many people from across the School participate.”