Library Guides: First Nations in Education: Evaluating resources

Classroom Resources: Evaluation Criteria

When selecting texts or lesson materials to explore Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander perspectives, knowledge, or histories, educators should critically analyze the content to ensure that it is culturally appropriate and provides accurate representation.

Five key evaluation criteria are recommended based on the Resource Guide for Aboriginal studies and Torres Strait Islander studies (Published by the Curriculum Corporation)

1. Authenticity

2. Balanced nature of the presentation

3. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander participation

4. Accuracy and support

5. Exclusion of content of a secret or sacred nature

Checklists, Guiding Questions & Frameworks

AIATSIS Guide to evaluating and selecting education resources (2022) In October 2022 AIATSIS published the Guide to evaluating and selecting education resources (the Guide). The Guide assists non-Indigenous educators, and others to critically self-reflect on history and the effects that this has on pedagogical practises today. It allows teachers to ensure curriculum resources selected for teaching do not cause harm to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, but rather foster trust and build a sense of pride for all. The Guide supports educators to make conscious and critical decisions when selecting curriculum resources, to ensure they reflect all children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and cause no harm. The Guide will also assist teachers to select appropriate resources for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and languages respectfully and effectively.
Selecting and evaluating resources guidelines by the Queensland Studies Authority (2007) An overview — with a new introduction and minor adaptations — of A Resource Guide for Aboriginal Studies and Torres Strait Islander Studies, published by Curriculum Corporation, Melbourne, in 1995. Reproduced with the permission of Curriculum Corporation.
Evaluating Resources Guide - Narragunnawali
Queensland Museum: evaluating resources
Resource guide for Aboriginal studies and Torres Strait Islander studies (1995) This is a pivotal resource that informed later frameworks but is only available in print. For quick access we recommend the Selecting and evaluating resources guidelines by the Queensland Studies Authority (2007) also listed here and avialable online. https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/approach2/indigenous_g008_0712.pdf

Terminology

Based on guidance from UNESCO, the Queensland Museum provides information on inappropriate and appropriate terminology to be aware of when using resources that have Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander content:

Appropriate terminology

Narragunnawali provides a guide to using respectful and inclusive language and terminology.

Terminology guide

General Advice on Evaluating Resources

Be aware that attitudes expressed in books or journals are a reflection of the viewpoints and attitudes toward Indigenous Australian's during the period in which they were written and the writer's political agenda.

The following criteria can be applied to all types of information sources.

Currency

Consider whether you are looking for recent resources or historical information.
Check the date the resource was published, as the resource might be out-of-date.
Check if it has been updated (in the form of a new edition or update) to deal with changes in knowledge.

Relevance

Scan the contents of the document or read the abstract.
You can also check the subject terms for the document in the library catalogue or database.
Are the subjects covered central or peripheral to your topic?

Authority and Reliability

Who is the author and what qualifications do they have for writing the document?
Are they backed by a reputable or traceable organisation?
Who is the publisher?

Audience - who is it intended for?

Information that is directed at high school students may not be appropriate for a university essay.
Equally, some academic work may be too advanced, specific or specialised for your needs.

Information that does not conform to these criteria is not necessarily flawed or unreliable, but you should use it with caution.