Cultural immersion in dietetics curricula: A method for ensuring Aboriginal pedagogies are used for Aboriginal educational content.

Abstract

Aims: To describe an Aboriginal cultural immersion delivered to dietetics students at a large university in Australia and assess its effectiveness as a method to teach Aboriginal history, culture, diet, and health in dietetics.

Methods: Taking a strength-based approach, Aboriginal processes of learning were privileged, with the cultural immersion being co-designed with immersion educators, a First Nations researcher, and dietetics academic. The cultural immersion consisted of an opening ceremony and four stations of yarning, weaving, bush tucker, and artefacts/medicines. A mixed-methods approach was used, with triangulation of data from pre- and postsurveys, station mapping, and focus group interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data were simultaneously analysed from participating first-year Master of Nutrition and Dietetics students and then drawn together for an integrated understanding of the impact of the cultural immersion on student learnings.

Results: Fifty-three students completed pre- and postsurveys and 36 participated in focus groups. Through sharing lived experiences, learning through culture, and keeping sessions practical and Aboriginal leadership, each cultural immersion station utilised Aboriginal processes of learning that meaningfully engaged students with Aboriginal education content, appreciate holistic health and increased their general knowledge on Aboriginal history, culture, diet, and health (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Cultural immersion is one teaching method to enhance student knowledges and can be a part of a programmatic and integrated approach that embeds Aboriginal content throughout the whole curriculum. It is necessary that institutions recognise the value of cultural immersions to student learnings and commit to providing ongoing support.