Debbie Wray

Education:

Currently enrolled in:

Doctor of Philosophy (Education)
University of Wollongong

Master of Education (Hons)
University of Western Sydney

Thesis Title: HSC Aboriginal Studies: Strengths, Limitations and Impact upon Aboriginal Students’ Self-Concepts and Educational Outcomes

Master of Education (HRD)
University of Sydney

Diploma in Teaching (Primary)
University of Wollongong

Contact Details:

Building 30 Room G07G

Phone (02) 4221 5275

Fax (02) 4221 4244

Email debraw@uow.edu.au

Brief Introduction:

I am a proud Yuin woman from the lower south coast of NSW. I have been active in Aboriginal Education for over 20 years through my involvement with the Aboriginal community, particularly the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (AECG). I believe I am a highly respected member of the Illawarra Aboriginal community as I intimately familiar with the concerns of Aboriginal community members in regard to education as well as appropriate Aboriginal community consultation protocols all of which are fundamental to the success of any proposed research. I am currently employed as a lecturer at the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, University of Wollongong 2008-2010.

Research Interests:

My research interests include: Aboriginal Studies 7-12, with specific focus on retention rates, positive educational outcomes and effective teaching of Aboriginal Studies and Aboriginal students.

Publications:

Wray, D. E., (2008). A Meaningful Exchange: The Benefits of Aboriginal Community Participation in the NSW HSC Aboriginal Studies Course. Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Conference, Queensland University of Technology [QUT] Kelvin Grove Brisbane, November 30, 2008 – December 4, 2008.

Wray, D., Craven, R. G. and Munns, G. (2005). The Impact of the Higher School Certificate Aboriginal Studies Course: Aboriginal Students’ Perceptions. Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Conference, Education Research Creative Dissent: Constructive Solutions, Parramatta, 27 November – 1 December, 2005. http://www.aare.edu.au/05pap/wra05316.pdf

Wray, D., Craven, R. G. and Munns, G. (2005). Making the Grade: The Impact of Policy on the HSC

    Aboriginal Studies Course. Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Conference, Education Research Creative Dissent: Constructive Solutions, Parramatta, 27 November - 1December, 2005. http://www.aare.edu.au/05pap/wra05312.pdf

Wray, D., Craven, R. G. and Munns, G. (2004). The Value of Stage 6 Aboriginal Studies for

Wray, D., Craven, R. G. and Munns, G. (2004). Key Issues and Challenges in Stage 6 Aboriginal

Blanchard, M., French, K., Galleguillos, S., Lui, L., McKnight, A., Sherwood, J., Smith, A. and Wray, D.

      (2000) “Creating an Optimistic Future for Indigenous Research in Education: Re-Visioning both Outcome and Process” Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Conference, "Education Research: Towards an Optimistic Future". http://www.aare.edu.au/indexpap.htm

Journal Articles & Reports:

Wray, D. (1999) “Curriculum Changes to the Aboriginal Education Assistants Program” Aboriginal

      Students’ Black on Black Aboriginal Studies Journal Vol. 2, The University of Sydney (59-66)

Wray, D. (1998) “Aboriginal Education Assistants Program: Whose curriculum is it anyway?”

Long essay, Master of Education requirement (unpublished)

Teaching:

I currently coordinate two Aboriginal Education subjects offered through the Faculty of Arts and work closely with the Faculty of Education in the same curriculum area. Prior to this appointment I was a lecturer at the Koori Centre, University of Sydney where my teaching with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students was linked specifically to the teaching of Aboriginal Studies in secondary schools, whilst also teaching in the Faculty of Education and Social Work.

Grants:

2005 Australian Research Council (ARC), Discovery - Indigenous Researchers Development Grant, $32,000

Last reviewed: 29 April, 2009