Citenship Education for the 21st Century:Australia

Subtitle

Tranette BelgraveMonday 27th February 2023

Citizenship Education for the 21st Century: Australia

Cross national Comparison

Contextual Challenges of CE

Forms & Purposes of CE

Objectives

Introduction

Index

Brief overview of Australian Education System

The Australian education system is considered one of the best education systems globally, for both domestic and international students. It boasts of high standards, a comprehensive curriculum, and highly qualified and skilled teachers.It is highly privatised in both the school and higher education sectors compared with the systems in other countries.The Australian Government, primarily through the Department of Education and Training (DET), ensure that high quality instruction is provided to the students.Reference : https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/australian-education-system-foundation.pdf

Introduction

Brief overview of Australian Education System

Australia’s secondary school education system adheres to a national curriculum framework. Subjects taught include, mathematics, science, history, languages, geography, the arts, health and physical education, information and communication technology, civics and citizenship, economics and business.Civic and citenship education was initially introduced in 1997 through the distribution of Discovering Democracy curriculum kits .Reference : https://www.futurelearn.com/info/futurelearn-international/australia-education-system

Introduction

Examine the cross-national comparisons

Highlight challenges facing CE within the Australian Context

Identify the forms and purposes of Civic Education (CE) in Australia

Insight into today's presentation.

Objectives

Forms & Purposes of CE in Australia

Historical Context

Subsequent governments agreed, with varied emphases and commitments,that all students are entitled to develop the knowledge, skills and capacities to be active and informed citizens, capable of participating in their own communities, the nation and the wider world.

The introduction of CE was in response initially, to a perceived ‘civic deficit’ amongst young Australians, and government concern regarding the level of public knowledge about, and commitment to, Australian political institutions. Three federal government inquiries were conducted (Senate Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training, 1989, 1991; Civics Expert Group, 1994). https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/aspg/Deborah%20Henderson%20Speech.pdf

Forms & Purposes of CE

Curriculum Aims

It entails knowledge and understanding of Australia's democratic heritage and traditions, its political and legal institutions and the shared values of freedom, tolerance, respect, responsibility and inclusion. The Australian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship contribute to achieving the educational goals identified in the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians(Civics and Citizenship Education website)

The Civics and Citizenship curriculum requires inclusive teaching practices that take into account the abilities of all students while supporting the diverse range of students in Australian schoolsCivics and citizenship education promotes students' participation in Australia's democracy by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, values and dispositions of active and informed citizenship. (Civics and Citizenship Education website) https://www.civicsandcitizenship.edu.au/cce/about_civics_and_citizenship_education,9625.htmlhttps://docs.acara.edu.au/resources/Shape_of_the_Australian_Curriculum__Civics_and_Citizenship_251012.pdf

Forms & Purposes of CE

Key Skills from the Curriculum include:

• questioning & research
• syntehsis, analysis & interpretation
• problem solving & decision-making
• communication & reflection

Stakeholder Participation

Key Ideas from the Curriculum include:

• Government and Democracy;
• Laws and Citizens and Citizenship,
• Diversity
• Identity

School authorities, administrators and teachers are required to prepare students for citizenship, both as part of the formal school curriculum and as part of a wider wholeschool program. This includes participation in experiences external to the school but linked to the school curriculum (for example, community activities, parliamentary education programs, civic institution visits and electoral commission programs). (https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/aspg/Deborah%20Henderson%20Speech.pdf)

Forms & Purposes of CE

Strategic CE Engagement

Celebrating Democracy Week was acknoledged in schools throughout Australia via a range of activities supported by funding from the Australian government. The feature event of Celebrating Democracy Week was Every Voice Counts!, a three-day forum held in Canberra and attended by a number of selected students from around Australia. The forum saw students discuss a number of issues related to politics, society and the environment.Each year Celebrating Democracy Week focused on a particular theme.

National activities complement and support the goals of civics and citizenship education.For example Civics and Citizenship Education National Forums, Celebrating Democracy Week school events and Every Voice Counts! student forums.

Forms & Purposes of CE

Contextual Challenges of CE

02

Teachers' have found it difficult to teach civics and citizenship education

Teachers' resitance

Civic education is viewed as a public good while politicians see it as a means of promoting political participation and, indirectly, enhancing their own public standing andself-esteem.

Political Plays

The lack of historical perspective, especially with Aboriginal versus settler history

Public Support

Information must be delivered in a managable and palatable way for the students to grasp and understand

Catering to students' needs

Cross-national Comparison

03

Australia

Barbados

Embedded into the Social studies curriculum

Isolated Inclusion

vs.

Designated subject for teaching and evaluation

Integrated Programme

Cross-Cultural Comparison

Australia

Barbados

Curriculum was introduced with little to no prior PD for educators

Teacher

vs.

Training prior to the implementation of the curriculum

Teacher Training

Cross-Cultural Comparison

Limited Funding

Australia

Barbados

Scarce resources inhibit the lateral and resource-densed learning environments

vs.

Intentional investment and support from government

Fully Funded

Cross-Cultural Comparison

VS

Students Councils Presence Quizzes primarily during Independence WeekModel UN Assemblies at Secondary

Evidence of Junior School CouncilWeek long School quizzes on citizenshipModel UN Assemblies at Primary

What can we learn from them?

According to McAllister (2001) In terms of how the curriculum could best be delivered in schools, the extensive international research on civic education suggests that such programs have relatively little role in moulding political attitudes and views; it is the total experience of education that matters. That implies that a system of civic education that integrates 13 civics into the general educational curriculum may be the most effective in promoting democratic values and beliefs.

Conclusion

What key points resonated with you?

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (2012) The Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship

https://docs.acara.edu.au/resources/Shape_of_the_Australian_Curriculum__Civics_and_Citizenship_251012.pdf..

Education Services Australia, Civic & Citizenship Education

https://www.civicsandcitizenship.edu.au/cce/about_civics_and_citizenship_education,9625.html

Henderson, D. (?) What is the place of civics education in Australia's democracy and what are we doing about it?

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/aspg/Deborah%20Henderson%20Speech.pdf

Future Learn Australia (2021) Explore the Australian Education System

https://www.futurelearn.com/info/futurelearn-international/australia-education-system

Diplomatic Academy, Australian Government (2017) The Australian Education System

https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/australian-education-system-foundation.pdf

Bibliography

Questions?

Educator & Graduate Student

Tranette Belgrave

Thank you!