Incorporating Aboriginal English in the Classroom

This research is based on interviews with Aboriginal adults about their experiences at school. Over a series of three extended interviews, each participant identified four key points about their learning and teaching experiences: firstly, they were motivated by their relationship to the teacher, secondly, they were concerned about being judged and misinterpreted at school, thirdly, they were often torn between the demands of home and school, and most importantly, they suggested that Aboriginal English can play a powerful role in producing successful outcomes for Aboriginal students. It should also be noted that each participant in this research went on to study at university.