A Guide to Presenting Indigenous Content in the Modern Education Classroom in Social Science and Human History

Greg Blyton 
(The Wollotuka Institute, Department of Arts and Education, University of Newcastle, Australia)

Abstract: This paper critically discusses the place of exotic disease theory in relation to Indigenous depopulation and epistemology in the pedagogy of western education. The author suggests there are significant concerns about exotic disease theory which could manifest in less than satisfactory teaching of Indigenous content, particularly when the educator is explaining Indigenous depopulation. Another important consideration is the potential defamatory nature of exotic disease theory, and its derogative portrayal of Indigenous people as immune deficient. It is suggested that the use of exotic disease theory in teaching pedagogy is in need of ongoing awareness and refinement. The paper targets educators, researchers and particularly historians who work in the area of Indigenous Education and seeks to open discussion in order to improve content in teaching delivery.

Key words: pedagogy, indigenous history, health education