Swinburne University of Technology is encouraging connection to Country and cultural exchange with the construction of Indigenous Learning Circles at each of our three Melbourne campuses.
Swinburne's Indigenous Learning Circles acknowledge Country and Traditional Owners by integrating aspects of Country, people, culture and art to provide a unity across all campuses. The design provides place for people to gather, where knowledge can be exchanged and cultural engagement can occur.
The Circles facilitates a deeper connection with Place and Country, connecting students to the Flowering Grasslands ad Aunty Dot Peters AM story.
What Are Yarning Circles
In Indigenous communities, yarning circles serve as versatile forums where participants engage in a variety of communal activities. These circles encompass not only the exchange of stories and knowledge but also the preservation of cultural heritage and the collaborative resolution of issues.
By providing a space free of conflict, hostility, or blame, the circle creates an environment conducive to constructive problem-solving and collective growth. Within the circle's confines, each participant is acknowledged, ensuring that all voices are considered and respected.
Yarning in Learning Circles
Yarning serves as an informal and open conversation that nurtures a collaborative dynamic between the facilitator and participants. These yarns cover a wide range of topics including personal experiences, academic insights, artistic expressions, political perspectives, professional insights, spiritual beliefs, and therapeutic discussions. Bessarab & Ng’andu (2010) describes 4 types of yarning, each follows its own set of rules, protocols, techniques, and objectives
Social yarning takes place before the learning and teaching topic yarn and is informal and often unstructured, following a meandering course guided by the topic both individuals choose to introduce into the discussion. Yarns of this nature can include gossip, news, humours, advice, and whatever information both parties feel inclined to share in the moment. It is usually during the social yarn that trust is developed, and the relationship is built.
The purpose of topic yarning is solely to gather information through participants' stories related to the learning and teaching intentions and outcomes. While the yarn is relaxed and interactive, it is also purposeful with a defined beginning and end. Topic yarning is a conversation with the purpose of obtaining information relating to the learning and teaching question.
Collaborative yarning in learning and teaching occurs between two or more people actively engaged in sharing information about a learning and teaching project or discussing ideas. This collaborative process can involve exploring similar ideas or bouncing different ideas to explain new concepts. The sharing of learning and teaching findings can lead to new discoveries and understandings.
Therapeutic yarning is when a participant shares a story containing traumatic or intensely personal and emotional information. The teacher switches from the learning and teaching topic to the role of a listener, providing support for the participant to express their story, make sense of it, or have it affirmed. This process of meaning-making that emerges in the yarn can empower and support the participant to reconsider their understanding of their experience in new and different ways. It's important to note that this type of yarn is not a counselling session.
Circle Learning and Teaching: The Democratic Forum
In traditional classroom, authority is concentrated at the front, where the instructor holds control. The circular teaching space at the Learning Circle redistributes power, positioning it either centrally or peripherally. This reconfiguration transforms the dynamics, where teaching staff are perceived as integral members of the group, assuming a facilitative role rather than an authoritative one.
When in the Learning Circle, students are positioned at the forefront, fostering open expression and interaction with peers as there are no hiding spots. They engage in deep listening and sharing to collectively create new meanings, actively building upon the contributions of previous speakers, enriching the discussion and fostering deeper understanding.
This exchange of ideas, feelings, perspectives, and opinions leads to the creation of new meanings, fostering a sense of individual identity intertwined with a collective sense of belonging within the group. Guided by principles of peace, justice, and reconciliation, participants endeavour to explore common ground and work towards consensus.
- Participant Size: Typically, 15-25 participants, but for more intense topics, 5-10 may be preferable.
- Materials: Distribute reading materials beforehand, but minimise their use during the session to focus on participant sharing.
- Facilitator Role: A facilitator poses the topic or question, encourages participation, and maintains order.
- Process Start: The facilitator begins by posing the question or issue.
- Pass Option: Participants can choose to pass, and those who passed can speak after everyone else has had their turn.
- General Discussion: Only after everyone has spoken is the floor opened for general discussion.
- Duration: Typically lasts between 1-2 hours, but the length can vary based on the topic and group needs, with closure decided by consensus.
- Clarify Understanding: If you don't understand the topic or question, ask for clarification.
- Active Listening: Listen carefully to ensure the group accurately hears each participant's contributions.
- Open-Mindedness: Keep an open mind and be willing to explore new ideas, even those you might have previously rejected.
- Respectful Disagreement: Be prepared to disagree respectfully without becoming aggressive or argumentative.
- Understand Others: Make an effort to understand the perspectives of those you disagree with.
- Avoid Interruptions: Don't engage in cross-talk or interruptions; focus on maintaining a smooth discussion flow.
- Focus the Discussion: Help keep the conversation on track and relevant.
- Balanced Participation: Speak freely but avoid dominating the discussion.
- Engage the Group: Address your comments to the entire group, not just the facilitator.
- Value Your Input: Appreciate and share your own experiences and insights.
- Summarise Key Points: The facilitator or a designated participant briefly recaps the main points discussed.
- Final Thoughts: Allow each participant an opportunity to share any final thoughts or reflections.
- Address Unresolved Issues: Identify any topics that remain unresolved and decide if they need further discussion in a future session.
- Group Consensus on Closure: Ensure that the group agrees it’s an appropriate time to conclude the session.
- Respectful Protection of Topics: Ensure that all topics raised are acknowledged and respected, maintaining confidentiality as needed.
- Feedback: Invite participants to provide feedback on the session, including what went well and what could be improved.
- Plan Next Steps: If applicable, discuss any follow-up actions or topics for the next meeting.
- Gratitude and Acknowledgment: Thank all participants for their contributions and effort.
- Formal Close: The facilitator officially closes the session, signaling the end of the Learning Circle.
References
Bessarab, D., & Ng’andu, B. (2010). Yarning About Yarning as a Legitimate Method in Indigenous Research. International Journal of Critical Indigenous Studies, 3(1).