Handbook unpacks essay writing craft for Indigenous students

A new handbook on the art of academic essay writing will assist Indigenous students studying at Charles Darwin University.

The Australian Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Education (ACIKE), on CDU’s Casuarina campus, created the handbook for tutors and lecturers to use to support Indigenous students.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership Professor Steven Larkin said the ACIKE Academic Essay Writing Resource would assist students in critical thinking and essay planning.

“ACIKE has recognised that Indigenous student have many strengths, but often struggle with academic literacies when they first come to university,” Professor Larkin said.

“Although there are many existing resources about essay writing available, most are not appropriate for Indigenous students.”

The compact handbook will inform readers about ways to create essay structures and lists of references, unpacking essay questions, and understanding the marking rubric.

“This resource is designed to support students through the beginning stages of essay writing so they gain transferrable skills to use throughout their university studies,” Professor Larkin said.

ACIKE is a joint initiative of CDU and the Batchelor Institute, focusing on higher education for Indigenous people.