Reflection on Learning: Closing the Gap | Assignment

Running head: REFLECTION ON LEARNING: CLOSING THE GAP
Reflection on Learning: Closing the Gap
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1REFLECTION ON LEARNING: CLOSING THE GAP
Description
In module 1, we were discussing about the governmental initiatives to the
development of the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders and one aspect in particular
caught my attention- the Closing the Gap initiative to improve the overall health of the
aboriginal people. In this essay, I am reflecting on my learning experience of that particular
topic using Gibbs’ Reflective model, which includes my reflection of my feelings on learning
the topic, analysis, evaluation, conclusion and action plan (Reljić, Pajnkihar & Fekonja,
2019). Reports on Closing the Gap initiatives show that the health of the Aboriginals and
Torres Strait Islanders have improved significantly but even after 10 or more years of its
existence, the initiative has not been able to reduce health equality for the Aboriginals and
Torres Strait Islanders, on the contrary it has increased (Schultz, 2020).
Feelings
Feelings before being exposed to the issue
Before being introduced to the topic formally, I had the idea that the Close the Gap
initiatives have been more than successful. I thought that they have successfully reduced the
health gaps in all aspects and by 2030, they would reach their desired target. I also believed
that what small gaps remained are mainly due to the fault of the Aboriginals and Torres Strait
Islanders people themselves as they are unwilling to take part in the programs.
How did you feel now after being further informed about the issue?
Through the lecture, as our professor talked about the 7 targets of the Closing the Gap
initiative, the statistics of improvement and the places where challenges still lie, the social
determinants of health, some of which are purely related to aboriginals, I realized that I did

2REFLECTION ON LEARNING: CLOSING THE GAP
not have complete idea about the issues that the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders face
and the barriers that are leading to the increasing gaps in their health equality. Having
medical facilities and support are desired by all and aboriginals are no different (Purnell et
al., 2016).
Critical Evaluation
Was it good or bad? Why do you think this way?
The experience was an eye-opener for me. As I realized that my assumptions had
been wrong and there is still a long way to go for aboriginal health, I started to question the
underlying reason behind the failure of health equality. I assumed that it is because of
aboriginal people’s unwillingness to participate into programs but through the learning I
realize that the social and cultural factors as well as the limitations like their remote locations,
intergenerational trauma and lack of governmental support has been the reason for the failure
and mental health issues (Das, Kini, Garg & Parker, 2018).
How do you think you knew what you knew?
The assumption that I made was due to the stereotyping that I prevalent in the society
about the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. I realized that the barrier lies in their
participation, as the 2020 report clearly indicates that most programs where the aboriginals
have participated have been successful and the health equality program failed due to lack of
participation as well.
Was your response to the issue or topic due to an experience and/or limited
consideration or understanding of the issue?