Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 update
Aboriginal Cultural Narratives and Ecology as Co-Teachers: Understanding Climate Change in the Sensory Classroom on Country
Research in four rural NSW schools found that student learning was enriched when local Aboriginal community members led teachers in climate change education, in settings enabling deep relationality with nature and Culture.
What's new
Four rural schools on the mid-north coast of New South Wales moved learning beyond the school gate. Students learned about climate change through Gumbaynggirr people's historical and contemporary cultural knowledge systems. The research found that student learning was overwhelmingly enriched when representatives from the local Aboriginal community led teachers in climate change education, in settings that allowed deep relationships with nature and culture.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
This is a parallel for Aotearoa schools that want local iwi and hapū knowledge to shape climate change and environmental learning outside the classroom.
Putting it into practice
When planning climate change learning outdoors, build a relationship with local iwi or hapū early and invite them to guide the learning, if they wish to.
How strong is the evidence
This research covers four schools in one region. The abstract does not describe methods or data in detail.
What to read
The full article.