Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 update
Strengthening Identities and Involvement of Aboriginal Children through Learning On Country
An On Country Learning project offers preliminary evidence for the efficacy of learning on Country, based on comparing children's involvement there and in the classroom.
What's new
Djarlgarra Koolunger (Canning River kids) is a culturally centred outdoor learning project that explores Aboriginal connections to the spiritual, social, cultural, environmental and geographic dimensions of particular places. The paper tells the story of Aboriginal students and their teachers learning on Country. Using the Leuven Involvement Scales, it compares the same children's involvement in the classroom and on Country over six months. The authors report preliminary evidence that the approach works and describe it as culturally responsive pedagogy.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
It offers an example of culturally centred, place-based outdoor learning with Aboriginal perspectives that may inform how Aotearoa schools work with mana whenua on local curriculum.
Putting it into practice
Work with local iwi or hapū to plan regular learning at a significant local place, and observe how student involvement there compares with the classroom.
How strong is the evidence
This is a single-project study with a within-group comparison over six months. The authors describe the evidence as preliminary.
What to read
The description of On Country Learning and the involvement analysis.