Tyson Yunkaporta - 8 Ways of Learning
Tyson Yunkaporta’s 8 Ways of Learning offers a powerful, practical framework for designing learning that is relational, place-based, story-driven, and deeply respectful of Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing. In this OSHC-ready module, you’ll learn the 8 Ways in plain language, hear a creative “voice of Tyson Yunkaporta” narrative (educational purpose only), listen to educators plan how to embed the approach, hear an Educational Leader interview on mentoring this perspective in a real service, work through a realistic case study, and complete a critical reflection using the Circle of Change (revised) so learning becomes visible in everyday practice.
Format
Online
Course
Author
Belinda Wright
Duration
45 - 60 Mins
Price
$
49
About the module
OSHC is rich with the kinds of learning the 8 Ways is built for—learning that happens through relationships, doing, sharing, observing, yarning, creating, and connecting to place. The 8 Ways of Learning helps educators move beyond “activities” and into learning design that honours children’s voice, community, and culture—without forcing a school-style approach onto after-school time.
This module supports educators to use the 8 Ways as a planning and reflection tool—so experiences are:
Understand the 8 Ways
A clear introduction to the 8 Ways—what they are, how they work together, and why they suit OSHC learning and play.
See it in practice + leadership
Bring the framework to life through a “voice of the theorist” narrative, educator implementation dialogue, a real case study, and an Educational Leader interview on mentoring the 8 Ways in a service.
Reflect → improve
Use the Circle of Change (revised): Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise, then consolidate in “What have I learnt?” with one next step to trial.
How this module works
This module follows a consistent, educator-friendly structure:
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Introduction to Tyson Yunkaporta + What are the 8 Ways of Learning?A practical overview of the framework and how it supports learning through story, community, and experience.
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“Let’s hear from Tyson Yunkaporta”A short creative narrative where “Tyson” speaks to applying the 8 Ways in an OSHC context (educational purpose only).
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Educator dialogue: implementing the 8 WaysA realistic conversation between educators after completing the module—brainstorming what the 8 Ways could look like in routines, play spaces, and planned experiences.
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Interview: Educational Leader perspectiveA grounded interview focused on:- what the 8 Ways look like in everyday OSHC practice- how the Educational Leader mentors educators to plan with cultural integrity- how to avoid “tokenistic” inclusion and instead embed respectful design choices- what to do when the team is unsure or lacks confidence
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OSHC case study: the 8 Ways in actionA scenario that helps educators picture the framework in real OSHC moments (e.g., yarning circles, story maps, nature play, maker projects, group problem-solving, community connections).
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Critical reflection (Circle of Change – revised)Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise to examine assumptions, strengthen cultural safety, and design learning differently.
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What have I learnt?A short consolidation step to name key takeaways and commit to one practical change to trial.
What educators will be able to do after this module
Educators who complete this module will be better able to:
- Use the 8 Ways as a planning lens (not just a set of ideas)
- Design experiences that are more story-driven, hands-on, and connected to place
- Strengthen children’s agency and voice through yarning, mapping, and shared meaning-making
- Embed culturally respectful practice in everyday routines—not only special events
- Build team confidence through shared language and repeatable planning prompts