Talking Teaching Teaching with Torres Strait Island Knowledge—A Conversation with Dr John Doolah
Jul 6, 2025
In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. John Doolah, a proud Torres Strait Islander and lecturer in Indigenous education at the University of Melbourne, dives into his rich heritage and the importance of integrating Torres Strait Islander knowledge in classrooms. He reflects on his journey from railway worker to academic and highlights the need for educators to blend Indigenous and Western knowledge. John emphasizes the significance of storytelling, kinship, and community engagement in education, urging a respectful and collaborative approach that honors both past and future generations.
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Turning Point From Rail Worker To Scholar
- John left construction work and enrolled at university after seeing a campus yard and deciding to change his life path.
- A bridging course in Aboriginal Studies sparked his sense of identity and set him on a teaching and research journey.
Blend Indigenous And Western Knowledge
- Indigenous knowledge and Western knowledge both matter and must be taught together in schools for fuller understanding.
- John uses his cultural lens alongside institutional knowledge rather than treating them as separate domains.
Start Teaching From Learners' Knowledge
- Teach from where students already stand by starting with their existing knowledge and cultural perspective.
- Incorporate local Indigenous perspectives early so learners can reframe topics through those cultural lenses.