Strategies for Communicating Effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students and Families:
Before developing strategies to teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, it is important to develop an understanding of Aboriginal culture, perspectives and ways of interacting.
Some strategies in which teachers can develop cultural understanding and communicate effectively with Indigenous families include:
Some strategies in which teachers can develop cultural understanding and communicate effectively with Indigenous families include:
- Build relationships based on trust – remember names and the relationships between people you engage with
- Understand the concept of family – many Aboriginal people develop strong relationships with extended family and kin in the community, rather than immediate families
- Be empathic and accept that it can be difficult to understand an opinion or situation
- Be patient – many Aboriginal families distrust agencies and organisations
- Understand that direct eye contact may be inappropriate
- Respect and understand silence – it may mean that the individual is listening and reflecting on what has been said or that they are not ready to express their opinion.