Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-8ctnn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-24T02:14:56.207Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

“I Don't Want to Grow Up and Not be Smart”: Urban Indigenous Young People's Perceptions of School

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 July 2015

Alison Nelson  and
Peter J. Hay
Alison Nelson
Affiliation:
School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
Peter J. Hay
Affiliation:
School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
Get access

Abstract

In light of the policy and research interests in optimising the educational experiences and outcomes of Indigenous young people, this paper aims to give voice to young Indigenous students' experiences of school and to convey a sense of the varied and complex nature of their educational and life pathways. Using a qualitative, life history research approach, 14 young people were interviewed seven times over two and a half years as they transitioned from primary school to secondary school in order to explore their perceptions of health, schooling and plans for the future. The findings demonstrate the complex and multifarious lived experiences of these young people and the incongruence with apparent assumptions underpinning education policies focused on improving and measuring educational outcomes. We argue that in order to avoid isolating, threatening or marginalising Indigenous (or any other) students within education systems, traditional educational pathways and trajectories need to be challenged so as to celebrate the cultural wealth of young people; recognise, value and build on their previous educational experiences; and support the transition across different learning and vocational avenues.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education , Volume 39 , Issue 1 , 2010 , pp. 54 - 64
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Bourke, C., Rigby, K., & Burden, J. (2000). Better practice in school attendance. Improving the school attendance of Indigenous students. Melbourne, VIC: Monash University.Google Scholar
Department of Education, Training and Arts (DETA). (2008a). Indigenous education: Strategic directions 2008-2011. Brisbane, QLD: DETA.Google Scholar
Department of Education, Training and Arts (DETA) (2008b). Indigenous learning and arts: Strategic plan 2008-2011. Brisbane, QLD: DETA.Google Scholar
Fasoli, L., & Ford, M. (2001). Indigenous early childhood educators' narratives: Relationships, not activities. Australian Journal of Early Childhood, 26(3), 18–22.Google Scholar
Godfrey, J., Partington, G., Richer, K., & Harslett, M. (2001). Perceptions of their teachers by Aboriginal students. Issues in Educational Research, 11, 1–13. Retrieved 5 May, 2010, from http://www.iier.org.au/iier11/godfrey.html.Google Scholar
Hall, S. (2001). Foucault: Power, knowledge and discourse. In Wetherall, M., Taylor, S. & Yates, S. (Eds.). Discourse theory and practice. A reader (pp. 72–81). London: Sage.Google Scholar
Jude, S. (1998). Aboriginal education in urban secondary schools: Educating the educators. The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 26(2), 13–17.Google Scholar
Luke, A. (1995–1996). Text and discourse in education: An introduction to critical discourse analysis. Review of Research in Education, 21, 3–48.Google Scholar
Malin, M., & Maidment, D. (2003). Education, Indigenous survival and wellbeing: Emerging ideas and programs. The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 32, 85–100.Google Scholar
Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA) (2004). Indigenous education. National Report on Schooling in Australia 2004 Retrieved 28 July, 2009, 2009, from http://cms.curriculum.edu.au/anr2004/ch10_attendance.htmGoogle Scholar
McInerney, D. (2001, September). Relationships between motivational goals, sense of self, self-concept and academic achievement: A comparative study with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. Paper presented at the 82nd Annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Seattle.Google Scholar
McNaughton, S. (2006, March). Effective literacy instruction and culturally and linguistically diverse students: or having the “tail” wag the dog. Paper presented at the Future Directions in Literacy Conference, Sydney.Google Scholar
Minniecon, D. (2005). Indigenous children's health and schooling. In Phillips, J. & Lampert, J. (Eds.). Introductory Indigenous studies in education (pp. 139–148). Sydney, NSW: Pearson Education Australia.Google Scholar
Nakata, M. (1995). Culture in education: A political strategy for us or for them? Ngoonjook, 11, 40–61.Google Scholar
Nakata, M. (2003). Some thoughts on literacy issues in indigenous contexts. Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 31, 7–15.Google Scholar
Nakata, M. (2007). Disciplining the savages. Savaging the disciplines. Canberra: Aboriginal Studies Press.Google Scholar
Pearson, N. (2009). Radical hope: Education and equality in Australia. Quarterly Essay, 35, 1–105.Google Scholar
Simpson, L., McFadden, M., & Munns, G. (2001). Someone has to go through: Indigenous boys, staying on at school and negotiating masculinities.. In Martino, W. & Meyenn, B. (Eds.). What about the boys? issues of masculinity in schools (p. 154–168). Buckingham: Open University Press.Google Scholar
Tatz, C. (2009). Aboriginal education, again. Australian Aboriginal Studies, 1, 92–96.Google Scholar
Tatz, C., & Criminology Research Council (1999). Aboriginal suicide is different: Aboriginal youth suicide in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and New Zealand: Towards a model of explanation and alleviation, 25/96-7, 1–165.Google Scholar
Tripcony, P., & Price, K. (1999). Indigenous cultures and education. Retrieved 29 July, 2009, from http://www.oodgeroo.qut.edu.au/academic_resources/academicpape/indigenous.jsp.Google Scholar
Wright, J., & Macdonald, D. (2004–2006). Young people, physical activity and physical culture: A longitudinal study. Australian Research Council large grant.Google Scholar
Zyngier, D. (2003). Connectedness – Isn't it time that education came out from behind the classroom doof and rediscovered social justice. Social Alternatives, 22(3), 41–49.Google Scholar