Western psychotherapeutic practice: Engaging Aboriginal people in culturally appropriate and respectful ways
Until recently the majority of psychologists in Australia have been confronted by the lack of information relating to culturally appropriate methods of engagement and therapy with Aboriginal clients. Findings from a qualitative study undertaken in Western Australia indicated that Aboriginal conceptualisations of mental health appear more holistic and contain elements that are both cultural and spiritual. The extent of these differences in conceptualisations from Western psychiatry and psychology are so vast that the mental health interventions need to be reconsidered. Extending from an Aboriginal mental health model are traditional treatments that endeavour to address the cultural and spiritual components of the mental illness. Findings from the study indicated that these treatments appeared to be hierarchically organised, depending on cause, severity, type of practitioner required and treatment. The findings also indicated that Aboriginal people generally seek traditional interpretations and treatment of...
Technology continues to shape the landscape of higher education, universities and K-12, therefore, need to design programs that accommodate the diverse needs of their students. As universities and K-12 consider pathways for meeting these needs, it will be fundamental that consideration is given to sound pedagogical principles for teaching and learning within these changing landscapes. This position paper reports on the key principles and factors influencing the selection of an adaptive learning system within universities. An extensive literature review demonstrates the benefits when an adaptive learning system gives equal consideration to technology and pedagogical issues.