Interplay wellbeing framework: The role of education in the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from remote communities [review]

A gap exists in formal education outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students when compared with other Australians, with the gap widened in remote regions. International research shows links between formal education outcomes, health and wellbeing and it is assumed this relationship holds for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This review suggests that western systems of teaching and monitoring educational outcomes are not effective in this context and that substantial changes in practice and policy are required to improve outcomes. A greater focus on engagement, quality and relevance of school curriculum is needed for education systems to genuinely improve people’s lives (ie, wellbeing) in remote communities. Evidence is mounting that effective remote education involves teaching and learning methods grounded in Aboriginal knowledge systems and lifestyles. Future research should focus on these strategies and their effective measurements.