EDF4014

Exploring diversity in the classroom ( 6 points, SCA Band 0, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Z Ma Rhea

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: This course traces some of the ways we have represented ourselves in contemporary Australian society and the way we understand others. Recently Australians are being asked to reflect on who they are as a nation and the ways 'race' and 'ethnicity' have been historically understood and continue to be used to understand and work with cultural difference. The centrality of an Aboriginal presence within conceptualisations of Australian identity and nationhood is only beginning to emerge as an issue for Australian debate. Multiculturalism has become increasingly contested as both policy and practice, yet still remains a most important initiative within Australian schools.

Objectives: By the completion of this unit, you should be able to explain the use of term such as ethnicity, race, culture, assimilation, ethnocentrism in the context of school; demonstrate a knowledge of the impact of colonisation, early settlement, migration and social policy on Australian attitudes to race and ethnic diversity; have a greater understanding of the effects of cultural traditions on attitudes to, for example, self & others; origins; social organisation; gender roles; teaching and learning; and the 'teaching' role; identify the dominant cultural factors influencing the maintenance of particular pedagogies and curriculum content in schools; analyse teaching and learning issues that arise when working across cultures from at least three analytical frameworks.

Assessment: Incorporating diversity into lesson preparation (1400 words): 35% + Applied Essay (2600 words): 65%

Contact Hours: 2 hours per week