Our Research Projects
Ngarrngga’s program of research is wide-ranging and our research projects span all levels of education from Early Childhood to Higher Education.
Our current research projects
Informed by a design-based research methodology, Ngarrngga strives to support educators to be confident in showcasing Indigenous Knowledge within their teaching and learning to provide opportunity for all Australian students to learn about the contributions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to Australian society through a practical and sustained approach.
Teacher Engagement with Indigenous Knowledge
The Teacher engagement with Indigenous Knowledge project funded by the Dara Foundation (now the Annamila First Nations Foundation) was completed in 2024. This research project sought to understand the challenges and barriers to showcasing Indigenous Knowledge in Australian educators’ teaching and learning practices. We conducted an online survey, three focus groups and a professional learning workshop to explore what resources educators currently access and use to support their teaching of Indigenous curriculum, as well as what they identify impedes and/or facilitates the use of Indigenous resources in the classroom.
Read more about this research here.
Teacher Community of Practice
Ngarrngga’s Community of Practice (CoP) is an opportunity for educators to learn and discuss ways to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge within their teaching work. The Community of Practice runs on a 6-month cycle with a cohort of 20 to 25 educators. The first pilot cohort is supported by seed funding provided by the Australian Centre at the University of Melbourne.
To read more about the CoP and to express interest in future rounds please click here.
Early Learning Needs Analysis
The early learning needs assessment (ELNA) was conducted from July 2023 to April 2024. It investigated early childhood educator’s current level of knowledge and practice embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in their settings. The needs analysis also explored their professional learning needs, and thus what professional development and resources would be beneficial through Ngarrngga. The findings from this work will inform Ngarrngga’s engagement with the early learning sector and educators in the coming stages of the program.
Keep exploring
Our research program overview
Ngarrngga's researchers are exploring evidence-based approaches to support educators to showcase Indigenous Knowledge in their classrooms.
Meet our Expert Advisory Panel
Ngarrngga's core Project Team is guided by an Expert Advisory Panel comprising Indigenous Knowledge Experts from across the country.
Enquire about our research
To participate in Ngarrngga's pilot school research,
register your interest via ngarrngga-team@unimelb.edu.au.
Feedback on the Ngarrngga website or resources can be provided via this link.