Key facts
UNE unit code: EDCX513
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

Gain the knowledge and skills you need to teach in Aboriginal and cross-cultural educational contexts.
In this unit you will explore the legacies of colonisation and racism in Australia and examine current legislation, policies and strategies that seek to redress their effects.
You will study issues of power and authority in teaching-learning relationships, school-community dynamics, lesson planning and implementation and linguistic and cultural diversity. Through the use of, and responses to, multimedia texts and by preparing for and/or engaging in and leading interactive seminars, you will both explore and demonstrate your knowledge of and skills in Aboriginal Education.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit addresses Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Stage, otherwise referred to as Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptors (GTSD).
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- critically assess learning needs and effective pedagogies for teaching in particular Aboriginal and cross-cultural contexts (GTSD 1.4.1, 2.4.1, 3.1.1, 4.1.1);
- analyse and demonstrate, with regard for historical and cultural contexts, and safety and wellbeing, classroom strategies, curriculum, resource and policy options for Aboriginal Education (GTSD 1.4.1, 2.4.1, 4.1.1, 4.4.1, 7.2.1);
- critically analyse a range of possible teaching–learning relationships and school–community dynamics (rural and urban) and consider their relevance for Aboriginal Education (GTSD 1.4.1, 2.4.1, 7.4.1); and
- evaluate their social and cultural position in teaching and consider the effects of this in responding to challenging educational contexts (GTSD 1.4.1, 2.4.1, 3.1.1).
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1A | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Reflective essay. Students in the Master of Teaching (Primary) or Master of Teaching (Secondary) complete 1200 words. Relates to GTSD: 1.4.1, 2.4.1, 4.1.1, 4.4.1, 7.4.1 Students in the MEd complete 2,250 words. No. Words: 1200/2250 |
| Assessment 1B | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Policy Analysis. Students in the Master of Teaching (Primary) or Master of Teaching (Secondary) complete 800 words. Relates to GTSD: 1.4.1, 2.4.1, 3.1.1, 4.1.1, 4.4.1, 7.4.1 Students in the MEd complete 1,500 words. No. Words: 800/1500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | For all other students not in the GCES or MED: Unit Plan and Rationale Relates to GTSD: 1.4.1, 2.4.1, 3.1.1, 4.1.1, 4.4.1, 7.2.1, 7.4.1 No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 2 - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | For GCES and MED students only: Unit Plan and Rationale (viva voce) No. Words: unit plan - 2250, rationale (viva voce) - 1500 words (equivalent) It is mandatory to pass this assessment in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 3750 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Learning and Teaching in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
ISBN: 9780190329396
Harrison, N. and Sellwood, J., Oxford University Press 4th ed. 2021
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (On Campus, Armidale Campus), Trimester 1 (Online), Trimester 2 (Online)
Aboriginal Education and Training Policy: An Introductory Guide
NSW Department of Education and Training, Aboriginal Education and Training Directorate, 2008
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (On Campus, Armidale Campus), Trimester 1 (Online)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education: An Introduction to the Profession
ISBN: 9781009640657
Price, K., Rogers, J. & McCabe, L., Cambridge University Press 4th. 2026
Text refers to: Trimester 3 (Online)
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Indigenous Education in Australia: Learning and Teaching for Deadly Futures
ISBN: 9780367207755
Shay, M . & Oliver, R., Routledge 2021
Text refers to: Trimester 3 (Online)
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