Supporting diverse learner needs: A case study using the 8 Ways of Aboriginal learning

Author: Rachel Leigh Taylor
Monash University

Edition: Volume 64, Number 2, July 2024

Introduction: During my 20-year career as a specialist language and literacy educator, I have found that inclusive and experiential classroom pedagogies stimulate and engage learners of all ages and demographics. What is more, these same methods can be effectively implemented to support individuals with diverse learning needs.  This article discusses the 8 Ways of Aboriginal Learning (NSW Department of Education, n.d.) as a pedagogical approach for engaging and supporting learners with diverse needs and, using a case study example, demonstrates how the holistic integration of different strategies enhances learning opportunities for all students. Whether you see yourself as an educator, teacher, trainer, mentor or supervisor, and regardless of whether you ‘teach’ in a standard classroom, workplace settings (e.g. office building, health clinic), or a community-based learning centre, the ideas and approaches presented in this paper will help you construct learning opportunities that will support student success and make lesson planning and preparation more effective and time-efficient.      

Keywordsinclusive education, experiential learning, integrated curriculum, Indigenous pedagogies

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This article is part of AJAL, Volume 64:2. The entire volume is available in .pdf for purchase here.