Perceived Teacher Tensions: Navigating Educational Mandates of Explicit Instruction and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Perceived Teacher Tensions: Navigating Educational Mandates of Explicit Instruction and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Language: English
Authors: Ruby D’Aietti, Brian Lewthwaite, Philemon Chigeza
Source: Australian Journal of Teacher Education. 2026 51(2):105-122.
Availability: Edith Cowan University. Bradford Street, Mount Lawley, West Australia 6050, Australia. Web site: http://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 18
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Culturally Relevant Education, Direct Instruction, Cultural Education, Elementary Schools, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Pacific Islanders, Language Role, Professional Autonomy
Geographic Terms: Australia
ISSN: 0313-5373
1835-517X
Abstract: In this paper I discuss the perceived tensions in navigating an Explicit Instruction approach with a Culturally Responsive Pedagogy at the cultural interface. The study took place in a Year 6/7 classroom in the Torres Strait, Queensland, Australia. All students identified as EAL/D learners. As an experienced, yet non-Indigenous practitioner, I documented the perceived tensions I encountered in the discipline of English. Adopting an Action Research methodology, I explored the classroom struggles as I navigated the mandate of teaching explicitly, yet responsively. I used student dialogue sessions and a reflective journal to document my tensions. Results showed, despite being able to adjust the Explicit Instruction approach to meet students' needs more responsively, tensions arose. The implications of this study are of significance for teachers in Australia who are required to embed Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum, adhering to the Australian Professional Teaching Standards 1.4 and 2.4.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 20260101
Accession Number: EJ1511372
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In this paper I discuss the perceived tensions in navigating an Explicit Instruction approach with a Culturally Responsive Pedagogy at the cultural interface. The study took place in a Year 6/7 classroom in the Torres Strait, Queensland, Australia. All students identified as EAL/D learners. As an experienced, yet non-Indigenous practitioner, I documented the perceived tensions I encountered in the discipline of English. Adopting an Action Research methodology, I explored the classroom struggles as I navigated the mandate of teaching explicitly, yet responsively. I used student dialogue sessions and a reflective journal to document my tensions. Results showed, despite being able to adjust the Explicit Instruction approach to meet students' needs more responsively, tensions arose. The implications of this study are of significance for teachers in Australia who are required to embed Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum, adhering to the Australian Professional Teaching Standards 1.4 and 2.4.
ISSN:0313-5373
1835-517X