Tobe Tutu: Indigenous storytelling approach to teaching and learning with Dr Justin Wejak
Meet Dr Justin Wejak, a lecturer at the Asia Institute within the Faculty of Arts, University of Melbourne, who has transformed his classrooms through the deeply relational and culturally grounded teaching style of ‘Tobe Tutu’.
What started Justin on his path to incorporating an Indigenous approach to teaching and learning
Justin recalls a class he gave before he became more aware of the Indigenous approach to teaching and learning. He was teaching an Indonesian literature class where students were asked to discuss a distinctive short story, which used some unconventional styles, like minimal punctuation.
His students appeared disinterested, puzzled and confused – they didn’t respond to his questions. Some even asked why this short story was even worth reading and discussing. Faced with a two-hour class and a room full of disinterested students, he made a bold decision. He asked them to set aside the text, shut their laptops and notebooks and sit together in a circle.
He then shared his own personal story of his emotional response to a political historical text which went on to become the subject of his PhD. “I told them that it’s ok to dislike a text or to have an emotional response and feel unsettled by it” Justin shares.
From there he gently guided the students back to the discussion, asking them to think of other texts with unusual writing styles. He then started to explore the short story they disliked – starting with the title and context, speaking a bit more about the author, and breaking down sentences and linguistic and cultural meanings to get them to start sharing more of their thoughts.
The students started to show interest and responded to these improvised questions and soon became lively and started to really enjoy the conversation. This happened because Justin created a safe space for students to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement.
Incorporating Tobe Tutu in the classroom
After the class Justin became more aware of the Indigenous approach to teaching and learning. This is all based on recognising difficulties students may face in learning and building relationships and environments to where they feel safe and supported.
“The Indigenous approach is about relationships and respect” Justin shares. ‘Students are encouraged to find ways to relate to the text and each other, while respecting individual feelings and thoughts.”
Originating from an Indigenous village in eastern Indonesia, Justin consistently uses a storytelling approach (locally known as Tobe Tutu) in his teaching, especially in Indonesian language lessons, emphasising the importance of oral traditions, cultural stories, and lived experiences.
This method involves engaging learners through stories that reflect shared Indigenous values and knowledge systems.
“A key aspect of this Tobe Tutu approach is maintaining a respectful and trusting relationship with students, where they feel safe to learn and share their thoughts and concerns. Students relate well to stories and the storytelling approach.” Says Justin.
This aspect of his pedagogy has helped him play an instrumental role in maintaining exceptionally high student satisfaction levels in Indonesian studies. He also takes opportunities to reflect on his Indigenous pedagogy to help continue to support students.
Integrating research based Indigenous knowledge into teaching
Justin’s embedded research based Indigenous knowledge into his teaching to stimulate enquiry-based learning and creating a safe and connected learning environment.
Justin’s teaching is deeply informed by his research. His work with the Indigenous Knowledge Institute has sharpened his understanding of Indigenous pedagogies and enriched his curriculum.
“Research is essential for teaching in higher education,” Justin says. “Regardless of the subject, research brings depth and relevance to the classroom.”
In 2022, his collaborative research on traditional food and healing informed the stories he brought into the classroom and enriched his curriculum with stories and materials from diverse Indigenous communities. In 2025, he continues this work, exploring storytelling and practical wisdom across Indonesian communities.
Advice for early career academics
Justin’s advice includes continue to learn and reflect on your teaching and to use and try different methods.
“Stay curious, build supportive networks, and trust that steady steps forward will shape a meaningful academic journey.”