Although Aboriginal people have the same learning styles as their non-Aboriginal counterparts, there are specific styles that are more dominant in Aboriginal culture. One key concept of Aboriginal learning is an attention to the whole. In this section, tutors will explore the concept of holistic learning and identify which learning styles may be most effective when working with Aboriginal learners.
People achieve wellness through the balance of mind, body, spirit and emotion. The Medicine Wheel helps people to balance and heal themselves. It’s an important tool to show movement that is circular in nature and has no beginning or end. Most Aboriginal cultures include an understanding of the circle or cyclical nature of life.
A basic understanding of the Medicine Wheel helps us understand traditional Aboriginal ideas about balance since the Wheel includes all aspects of a person. It can provide a sense of direction and guidance. It is divided into physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts. In this activity, we will look at each part separately as it relates to learning. By the end of the activity, tutors will see how each of these parts is interconnected. Each part supports, enhances and affects the other.
The list of words and statements below focuses on an important aspect of our being in relation to each part of the Medicine Wheel. Tutors will look at each word or statement on its own and decide to which part of the Wheel it belongs.
| Reflection, group activity, discussion |
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Materials and equipment Round container (for example, a cookie tin) Preparation Cut out two cardboard dividers to form an X in the container, making four equal compartments.  |