This issue features the final presentation from several participants in TELP. We are pleased to introduce Michael Seitzinger, a graduate of TELP 2023. We asked him a few questions to give you a sense of what ideas you might find in his presentation. Enjoy!
Q1: Within the context of your presentation, choose a verb and finish this sentence: I used to think/wonder/feel… Now I think/wonder/feel …
MS: I used to wonder how we can provide Indigenous students a greater sense of belonging at school and in their learning. Now I feel that having high expectations, supported by relationships will allow for better outcomes for adult and student learners.
Q2: After watching my presentation, I invite the viewer to …
MS: Reflect on your context and wonder where you can challenge low expectations for the benefit of learning and belonging.
Q3: As I engage in this work, it is important for me to …
MS: Check my own biases and assumptions about learners in my work. I challenge educators to lean into the Spiral of Inquiry framework, especially by holding up the mirror and asking “how am I contributing to the challenges that I’m seeing”. There are no quick fixes to change a learning culture to high expectations relationships. However, there are small, deliberate moves that will allow for noticeable changes for learners.
Q4: Is there anything you’d like to add?
MS: As a launching point for those wanting more information, I would recommend the short and digestible article by Chris Sarra et al. “High-Expectations Relationships: A Foundation for Enacting High Expectations in all Australian Schools” from The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education.
Watch Michael’s presentation
