Revolutionising maths education through Yolngu language

Who’d of thought a revolution in mathematics education would take place in Yirrkala, East Arnhem Land in the top end of the Northern Territory.

Last year, in 2023, more than 100 educators from a diverse range of backgrounds yet a shared vision in that all First Nation students be successful in maths attended the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA) 2023 conference in the Yolngu community of Yirrkala.

The conference was the first one to be held in a Yolngu community and allowed delegates to be immersed in community, language and culture while exploring the teaching and learning of mathematics.

The theme for ATSIMA 2023: Nhe Waŋana Nhe Djämamirriyaŋana: Speak It, You Create It, continued this idea of a revolution in education.

ATSIMA Chair, Professor. Chris Matthews said the conference was shaped by the philosophies that underpin the Yirrkala Community School.

‘Through this structure, we explored what it means to understand mathematics from Yolŋu perspectives, including other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and Western perspectives,’ Chris said.

‘From moving through these different cultural landscapes, delegates built stronger connections and continued to work together to reshape Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in mathematics.’

Highlights of the conference included a speech by Yingiya Mark Guyula MLA on his personal experiences of education as a child on Country, in the classroom, and into adulthood as he studied to become a pilot.

Yingiya also discussed the importance of two-ways bilingual programs for achieving success. His co-presenter, Kathy McMahon, discussed her experience as a teacher of Yolŋu students and the importance of conveying concepts in a student’s first language in order to achieve education outcomes.

Fiona Lugnan and Caitlin Walpole from Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School spoke about their bilingual school and an Aboriginal language – the first and only in NSW.

‘Every single day, they push the boundaries of bilingual teaching and learning, pressuring the western frameworks of curriculum and schooling that have been thrust upon them,’ Chris said.

‘They are revolutionising schooling, ‘our way’ by connecting students to the values of Wajaarr, Guunu-warluuny gala Miindalay-gam, through a re-Indigenised curriculum which centres Wajaada (cultural) learning, and junuybin (students) first.’