Abstract
Preparation of qualified Indigenous early childhood teachers is essential to the success of community based early childhood services. This paper explains the development of a program designed to support such teachers. The Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Services) program is unique in offering a professionally recognised teaching qualification in early childhood to Indigenous Australians. It targets mature-aged people who are working in early childhood settings such as childcare centres and preschools. Many who undertake the degree have extensive professional experience but have not had access to a program which allows them to remain within their community and in employment while studying. The program has been offered at Macquarie University since 1998 and now draws students from four states. A key characteristic of the program is that it embeds 'both-ways' learning, a pedagogy which recognises all participants as both teachers and learners.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 67-74 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Change: Transformations in Education |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 2003 |
Keywords
- teacher education
- curriculum
- Aboriginal education