Dr. Karen D'Aietti
Doctorate in EducationLecturer - Indigenous Studies - Education
School of Education and the Arts
1 - 3.11
I am the Unit Coordinator for the Indigenous Studies and Learning Unit, working with undergraduate and postgraduate students. This unit is a compulsory component for any student who aspires to become a future teacher in Australia. In this role I hope to challenge students to think critically about the positioning of our First Nations peoples in society. I hope the knowledge gained from this unit will prepare graduates to work respectfully and collaboratively with our First Nations peoples, working towards reconciliation. In the Indigenous Studies and Learning Unit we study past histories and the effects of colonisation; how past policies have impacted and continue to impact our First Nations peoples; cultures, languages and identities of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; quality educational practices, as well as best practice for working with Indigenous communities.
I am also currently working with first-year students to prepare them for their first work placement in the school. EDFE11038 unit is taught face-to-face in Cairns and is part of a cluster group with Gladstone and Townsville. I'll be visiting the students whilst they are on their placement.
My Doctoral research was an Action based research project that examined the pedagogies of Explicit Instruction and Culturally Responsive Teaching. This research took place in a 6/7 grade classroom on a remote Torres Strait Island. What I discovered was that students do want to learn and for this to happen, the Explicit Instruction model of 'I do, We do, You do' needs to be used more flexibly, adopting a more culturally responsive lens. Essential in schools is that educators prioritise the student-teacher relationship and and foster warm and welcoming relationships with parents, families and their respective communities.
My current research projects include working with a colleague to provide pre-service teachers with more opportunities to experience rural and remote placements. As part of this project I am looking at ways to foster stronger ties with the Department of Education. I am also working with a CQU colleague and two Swedish researchers looking at First Nations and Sami voice in literary texts: To what extent are these voices represented? Who is being represented? What is left silenced?
In addition to teaching I am keen to pursue my research career. My areas of passion, besides Indigenous learning and students, are meeting EAL/D student needs, languages and student/teacher well-being.
Background
My teaching career began over 22 years ago. I have been fortunate enough to teach in several countries, mixing with diverse ethnicities, learning about different cultures. I began in Education as an EAL/D and ESL lecturer in New Zealand before continuing in this field in Australia. Teaching as a lecturer at the Sunshine Coast University also afforded me the opportunity to design, develop and teach a language course for adults wishing to learn Italian. In 2008 I began my teaching career with Education Queensland and this tenure spanned over 13 years. During this time I worked in 1 inner-city school, a rural Indigenous school and a remote Indigenous school, as well as Distance Education, covering both primary and secondary teaching. In the primary sector I taught all subjects - mainly across grades 3 - 6. In the secondary sector I taught English, History & Geography (HASS), German and Italian. I have been heavily involved in all aspects of school life including: school camps; a field trip to Canberra; co-ordinating the world's first eZ club for ZONTA International (taking a stance against domestic violence); chaperoning QLD students on an international exchange to Switzerland; mentoring pre-service teachers; leading the student leaders' club; curriculum design and development, amongst other commitments.
Prior to working in Education I spend many years working in the Tourism industry utilising my linguistic skills.
Universities Studied At
University of Westminster: B.A. (Hons) in Applied Languages (German and Italian) & Linguistics
Auckland University of Technology: Diploma in TESOL
Auckland University of Technology: Masters in Applied Languages
University of the Sunshine Coast: Teaching Diploma
James Cook University: Doctorate of Education
Universities Worked At
Auckland University of Technology, NZ (2001 - 2006).
University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD (2007 - 2008).
James Cook University (2016 - 2017).
Central Queensland University (2021 - on-going).
Media Citations
Australian Journal of Indigenous Teaching: Negotiating the pedagogical requirements of both explicit instruction and culturally responsive pedagogy in Far North Queensland; teaching explicitly, responding responsively, 2020
JCU E-Tropics: Negotiating the Dominant Discourses of Explicit Instruction and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in the Far North Queensland Context: A Teachers' Journey, 2015.
Previous teaching
Auckland University of Technology: EAL/D and ESL lecturer
University of the Sunshine Coast: ESL and Italian lecturer
James Cook University: Literacy tutor
Education Queensland:
1) Primary teacher at Mossman State School
2) Primary teacher at Badu State School in the Torres Strait
3) Primary teacher at Whitfield State School in Cairns
4) Primary/Secondary (English, German, Italian and HASS) teacher at Cairns School of Distance Education.
Professional Experience
21 years experience in teaching, demonstrating highly effective and efficient pedagogical skills
Several years experience working in rural and remote Indigenous contexts, demonstrating sensitivity and applying correct protocols when liaising with Australia's First Nations Peoples
Leadership experience - temporary role of principal; provided guidance and support to staff members to support student learning outcomes
Curriculum development and planning: band mapping, assessment alignment, creating new innovative assessment, lesson plans and unit plans, assessment design, marking and feedback
Supported student growth and well-being through feedback, face-to-face interaction and connections with relevant bodies
Strong IT skills (SKYPE, Zoom, Teams, Word, Adobe, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook)
Coordinated the world's first online eZ Club promoting a stance of non-violence against women
Chaperoned students on an international exchange, liaising with partner schools in Europe
Ran the school's student leadership program
Organised and planned cultural events promoting both languages and the Arts
Organised, led and developed CSDE's first online speaking competition for German
Mentored pre-service and beginning teachers
Professional Memberships
ZONTA
Queensland College of Teachers (Registered Teacher)
Responsibilities
- Unit Coordinator for Indigenous Learning - undergraduate level
- Unit Coordinator for Indigenous Learning - Masters level
- Lecturer for Indigenous Learning - undergraduate level
- Lecturer for Indigenous Learning - Masters level
Professional Interests
Empowering marginalised and/or minority groups to have a voice in their education and well-being
Promoting inclusivity and reconciliation by teaching about our First Nations Peoples
Pre-service and beginning teachers
EAL/D and ESL students
Languages
Key Achievements
Rising to the challenge of motherhood - I have 2 sons!
Doctorate
Becoming an Australian citizen
Accreditation
I am currently accredited for supervision in the following:
- 4501 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, language and history
- 4703 Language Studies
- 3903 Education Systems
- 4502 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education
Current Capacity
Current Supervision
Curriculum and Pedagogy - Curriculum and Pedagogy not elsewhere classified
Curriculum and Pedagogy - English and Literacy Curriculum and Pedagogy (excl. LOTE, ESL and TESOL)
Education Systems - Higher Education
Education Systems - Primary education
Education Systems - Secondary Education
