Guidebook to increase student inclusion, retention and unit completion

A new learning resource designed to engage First Nations students to complete courses and succeed in tertiary education was rolled out to Charles Darwin University (CDU) lecturers in September.

The lecturer guidebook by researchers from CDU’s Northern Institute and Faculty of Arts and Society aims to support lecturers engaging with First Nations students in ways that demonstrate and promote cultural responsiveness, inclusion, and respect.

The guidebook outlines what responsibilities CDU lecturers have in creating an inclusive, student-centered environment, why First Nations content needs to be embedded into curriculum, and examples of how lecturers supported their First Nations students to succeed.  

The guidebook will also help CDU achieve a 75 per cent unit success rate in degree education for First Nations students, as outlined in the CDU Strategic Plan 2021-2026. 

The guidebook was created as part of a larger, strategic initiative funded by the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP). 

The project is led by Senior Lecturer Dr Tracy Woodroffe alongside Dr Kate Golebiowska, researcher Alicia Boyle, Associate Professor Guzyal Hill and research associate Pawnee Yuhun. 

Dr Woodroffe said the resource was the result of an intensive three-year research project which involved surveys, interviews, focus groups with lecturers and professional staff at CDU campuses, and more. 

“Our research has resulted in findings that will create more opportunities for success at Charles Darwin University,” Dr Woodroffe said. 

Dr Golebiowska said the guidebook emphasizes the importance of personal relationships, creating safe learning environments, cultural inclusion and a strengths-based approach.

“The guidebook provides evidence-based strategies shared by CDU lecturers in Higher Education that illustrate cultural responsiveness in and outside the classroom and can help improve the ability of lecturers to support First Nations students in navigating the challenges of higher education,” Dr Golebiowska said. 

The guidebook is available from the Northern Institute and online. It can support both degree education staff and CDU TAFE staff, making it accessible to more than 1,100 people within the University.

A companion guidebook for First Nations undergraduate students, also developed as part of this research, will be published by the end of the year.