Learning & Development Overview
Introduction
One of the core functions of the Aurora Project is to support the staff at Native Title Representative Bodies (NTRBs) and Native Title Service Providers (NSTPs) through providing training and professional development. This includes programs as well as resources to support new staff, and programs that will enable established staff to extend their knowledge and skills in relation to native title work.
>> back to top
NTRB Staff Development Workshops
The Aurora Project is offering a range of programs in 2007 that are specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of new and experienced NTRB staff. These include the following programs:
As with all programs offered through the Aurora Project, there is no cost to NTRB staff to attend, though participants’ organisations are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and associated expenses. The programs are in various stages of development, and NTRB staff are warmly invited to contact Aurora with feedback regarding potential topics, as well as suggestions for future programs.
>> back to top
Design and Development of the Programs – Consultation with NTRB Staff
All Aurora Learning and Development programs are designed in response to the feedback received from NTRB staff. This includes feedback collected in training and development needs analyses of five NTRBs in 2006, as well as consultation with staff at other NTRBs.
Guidance in the timing, content and facilitation of the programs is provided by the NTRB Staff Development Reference Group, comprised of the following five NTRB Chief Executive Officers:
 |
Mr Simon Hawkins, Chair (Yamatji Marlpa Barna Baba Maaja Aboriginal Corporation) |
|
Mr Parry Agius (South Australia Native Title Services) |
|
Mr Wayne Bergman (Kimberley Land Council) |
|
Mr Chris Marshall (Native Title Services Victoria) |
|
Mr Warren Mundine (NTSCORP) |
The programs focus on what NTRB staff have identified as their priorities for support and development. They are tailored to the NTRB working environment, and the unique needs of staff in different roles, and with different types of experience in native title work.
>> back to top
Vision, Objectives, Approach of Aurora’s NTRB Staff Development programs
 Vision: |
 |
To develop a comprehensive, coordinated system of staff development programs that is informed by research and best practice in education and professional development, meets the diverse needs and interests of NTRB staff and supports them in their work. |
|
To thereby support NTRB staff and their organisations in their work to achieve successful native title outcomes for Indigenous Australians. |
| Objectives: |
|
To provide top quality staff development programs that are informed by the most recent research and best practice in education and professional development. |
|
To ensure that we cater for the diverse needs and interests of all NTRB staff by providing a comprehensive and varied range of programs to meet their needs. |
|
To ensure that the design, structure, facilitation and resources of all our programs at all times align with our core values and thereby contribute to the advancement of just outcomes for Indigenous Australians. |
|
To design programs that enable staff from different NTRBs to come together and learn collaboratively from their experiences, thereby extending their own understanding and contributing to forging links and partnerships between organisations. |
|
To contribute to capacity building more generally in Indigenous communities by actively supporting other Indigenous organisations, and where possible working with them in the development and delivery of our programs. |
| Our approach involves: |
|
Consultation with NTRB staff and other relevant bodies at all stages of program design, implementation and evaluation |
|
Collaboration in the development of programs to enable the sharing of knowledge and experiences, and the relevancy of programs. |
|
Evaluation of programs to determine the strengths of programs and areas for further improvement and development. |
|
Feedback to NTRBs to ensure staff are fully informed of processes, practices and outcomes
of programs. |
>> back to top
Learning and Development Model
Our programs are based upon an experiential learning model. This approach centres upon actively engaging the participant in drawing upon previous experiences and knowledge, and through experimentation, observation and reflection deepening and extending understanding. It recognises and builds upon participants’ capacities to both individually and collectively construct their understanding, skills and knowledge, with the support and guidance of teachers and facilitators.
An experiential learning model is:
|
effective in enabling individual learners to develop their knowledge and understanding through drawing upon and sharing experiences |
|
effective in promoting collective and collaborative learning processes that enable learners to share knowledge and learn from each other |
|
in alignment with our core values of respect, equity and social justice |
|
iIn alignment with our approach of consultation, collaboration, evaluation and feedback. |
Typical activities in our programs will include:
|
small group work |
|
scenario based activities |
|
role plays |
|
modelling of relevant skills by experienced practitioners |
|
presentations by facilitators addressing key areas of interest with follow-up activities
and discussion |
|
opportunities to experiment with new skills and knowledge |
|
opportunities for individual and group reflection to deepen understanding and learning
from experience. |
>> back to top
|
