CDU unveils groundbreaking lecturer guidebook at National Education Conference

A lecturer guidebook on engaging First Nations students in tertiary education, developed by academics from Charles Darwin University (CDU), has been presented at a national education conference. 

The Lecturer Guidebook: Cultural Responsiveness and First Nations student engagement, launched at CDU in September, was presented at the National Association of Enabling Educators of Australia conference held in Darwin on December 2 to 3. 

The guidebook focuses on practical strategies to support First Nations student success including evidence-based strategies for engaging First Nations students in learning; insights into incorporating First Nations knowledges and perspectives into curriculum design; and examples offered by First Nations students of what helps them succeed in their learning.

The resource was developed by researchers from the Northern Institute and Faculty of Arts and Society Dr Tracy Woodroffe, Dr Kate Golebiowska, Alicia Boyle and Associate Professor Guzyal Hill. Since its launch, the guidebook has attracted significant interest from CDU staff at all campuses and from other Australian universities. 

Dr Woodroffe said presenting the guidebook to a national audience was a critical step in encouraging and increasing inclusivity in education. 

“The conference represents an exceptional opportunity to showcase on the national stage CDU’s research excellence in First Nations education,” Dr Woodroffe said.

“It enables our team to encourage enabling educators to try strategies contained in the Lecturer Guidebook, with a view to retaining First Nations students in enabling courses. We are grateful to the conference committee lead, George Lambrinidis, for the invitation to present.

“The guidebook reflects our commitment to equipping educators with practical tools to address the unique challenges in this field. By fostering cultural responsiveness, we hope to create inclusive environments where First Nations students can thrive.”

At the conference, the First Nations Student Guidebook: Cultural responsiveness in learning and teaching at CDU was also launched. 

Development of the guidebooks was funded through the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP). 

Dr Golebiowska added: “The Lecturer Guidebook is a CDU-first resource, informed by CDU lecturing and professional staff and First Nations undergraduate students, aimed at supporting lecturers in enhancing the learning experience and retention of First Nations students through cultural responsiveness. 

Dr. Woodroffe also emphasised the broader significance of the guidebook. 

“The practical strategies it contains may be considered by enabling educators, too.”

For more information about the resource, or the First Nations student guidebook: Cultural responsiveness in learning and teaching at CDU launched at the conference, please contact Dr Tracy Woodroffe at tracy.woodroffe@cdu.edu.au