Taking action towards reconciliation through education

QUT Lead Unit Coordinator, Emma Derainne, awarded the Associate Fellowship (Indigenous) of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)

‘The Associate Fellowship of Higher Education Academy enabled me to be more self-reflective and analyse my own identity within the fabric of Australian society, and reiterate my responsibility as an Educator.’
– Emma Derainne

A commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives in the classroom

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2021 is ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action’, urging the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action. For Emma Derainne, integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into teaching is how she takes action towards reconciliation.

Emma is a Lead Unit Coordinator for our four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander units at QUT Online. She has been with QUT Online for 18 months and was an integral part in helping launch the units back in 2019. After completing both her Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree online, she is well versed in the challenges that come from studying online.

‘I grew up in Regional Queensland, and I love that there is an increasing range of offerings from QUT Online for students from rural/regional areas to enter and complete university studies – many of whom may be first generation graduates like myself. I find that our diverse experiences, across Australia, enrich our learning and teaching at QUT Online and I am very grateful to help support and encourage our students.’

Recognising Emma’s contributions to diversifying unit content

Emma was recently awarded the Associate Fellowship (Indigenous) of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) after completing the online learning module ‘Indigenous Perspectives in Learning and Teaching’ and submitting a comprehensive application. The review panel were particularly impressed with Emma’s commitment ‘successfully demonstrate[ing] deep, considered, educated, and community-informed approaches to embedding Indigenous perspectives’.

The Fellowship is a world first specialist award for staff who successfully integrate Indigenous perspectives in learning and teaching. The essence of the Fellowship reflects this year’s Reconciliation Week theme and it allows for a diverse range of staff, across multiple disciplines, to listen, voice and reflect on how their own teaching practices can incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.

Emma is appreciative of the recognition of her hard work and is looking forward to continuing to play her part in listening to First Nation voices.

‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are diverse, living, and dynamic. I want everyone that I work with – all key stakeholders and students to know, engage, and understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and actively reflect and act on these understandings within their classroom and society.’

If you’re interested in learning more about integrating Indigenous perspectives into your teaching, you can find out about QUT Online’s Graduate Certificate in Education (Indigenous Education) on our website, or by reaching out to our Course Consultants.