"That's how people learn It's through the connection": Collaborative learning in an Aboriginal adult Literacy Centre

Abstract

Collaborative learning is an important component in adult literacy learning but has not been investigated among Aboriginal adults. The concepts of cognitive apprenticeship and guided participation informs the case study of an Aboriginal adult Literacy Centre. A metaphor of entering a house of literacy learning was used to describe how learners become a part of a community of literacy practice. An individual stands on the threshold with dreams for the future. He or she walks fully into the house by increasing participation in learning activities. Learning occurs through connections with others by sitting together at a round table. The literacy organization, the funding agency and the community act as floorboards in supporting the learners. The findings point to particular patterns of guided participation in Aboriginal settings, may broaden our understanding of social perspective of literacy and may contribute to our knowledge of learning in an urban Aboriginal setting.