LIMECONNECTIONV - LIME Network

Abstract:Since 1998, 140 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have completed the Graduate Diploma in Indigenous HealthPromotion (GDIHP) at The University of Sydney, which is a one-year, full-time, block-release program. The completionrate over the past four years is 93% and the program is recognised as one of the most successful Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander-specific higher education programs in the country. The graduates came primarily from regional, ruraland remote communities in all states and territories, most were first in family to attend university and all had significantfamily, work and community responsibilities. However, the retention and completion rates were not always as healthyas they are now. For example, in 2008, almost 40% of GDIHP students failed to complete the course.The decision was made to investigate why so many students struggled to meet the expectations of a course thatwas pedagogically progressive, culturally affirming, taught by highly regarded academics and strongly supportedby the University. A qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews was conducted and many complexand interrelated issues were explored. One issue that was raised unexpectedly and emphatically by almost halfthe study participants who completed the course was the unintentional stifling of individual student effort andachievement through the development of co-dependent relationships between academic staff and students. Thispresentation will discuss the data relevant to this particular issue, reflect on the study findings and outline some ofthe strategies that have contributed to significantly increasing GDIHP recruitment, retention and completion rates.Presenter:Suzanne PlaterThe University of SydneySuzanne Plater is currently the Course Coordinator and primary lecturer for theGraduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion at The University of Sydney. She hasworked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to help protect and developtheir health for many years, including as part of the Deadly Ears Health PromotionTeam in Queensland. Her paper, ‘For the life of me, I can’t see why those students werelet go on so long’: Educating the educators, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-stylewas recently published in the Australian Journal of Indigenous Education.Partnerships, Placements and Community Engagement10.45am-11.45amChair: Christine CarriageOnCountry4Health (Hear Heart Heal=Health); Yorta Yorta Elders lead tomorrow’s doctorsAuthors:Dr Jacinta Tobin, Centre for Health and Society and Medical Education UnitDr Wayne Atkinson, Senior FellowMr Peter Ferguson, School of Rural HealthMr Shane Charles, School of Rural HealthAssociate Professor Shaun Ewen, Centre for Health and SocietyThe University of Melbourne50