Aboriginal segregation in Australia and its effects on educa

Aboriginal segregation in Australia and its effects on education

Daniel Davidson

References

• Beresford, Q., Partington, G. (2007). Reform and resistance in Aboriginal education: The Australian experience. History of Education Quarterly, 47(1), 100-115. Retrieved November 30, 2014, from http://www.jstor.org.library3.webster.edu/stable/20462148?seq=2&Search=yes&searchText=aboriginal&searchText=education&list=hide&searchUri=/action/doBasicSearch?Query=aboriginal+education&prq=socioeconomic+status&acc=on&am

• Fredericks, B. (2010). Reempowering Ourselves: Australian Aboriginal Women.Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 35(3), 546-550. Retrieved November 30, 2014, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/648511

• Gower, G. Beresford, Q., Partington, G. (2003). Reform and resistance in aboriginal education. Crawley, W.A.: University of Western Australia Press.

• Hughes, P. (1988). Report of the Aboriginal Education Policy Task Force. Canberra: Australian Govt. Pub. Service.

• Sallik, M. (1989). Aboriginal tertiary education in Australia: How well is it serving the needs of Aborigines? Underdale, S. Aust.: Aboriginal studies key Centre, South Australian College of Advanced Education.

• Slavin, R. (2014). Educational psychology: Theory and practice (10th ed.). Pearson education limited.

• Welch, A. (1988). Aboriginal Education as Internal Colonialism: The schooling of an indigenous minority in Australia.Comparative Education, 24(2), 203-215. Retrieved November 30, 2014, from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0305006880240205?journalCode=cced20#.VHsF1GTF38

• Whinnett, E., & Hussain, T. (2014, January 5). Indian student numbers plunge after fresh attack. Retrieved December 1, 2014, from http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/indian-student-numbers-plunge-after-fresh-attack/story-fni0fee2-1226795039267?nk=57f996b3ad7de3d786b44578a407549f

How classroom problems could be addressed

How these issues translate to the classroom

Literacy skills

• Learn English from an early age
• Have aboriginal specific course
• Special help in class/teachers assigned to students
• ESL classes
• Directing speech for deaf students

Policy changes and awareness

• Updates and meetings for changes
• Change attitude to assist students
• Treat aboriginals as equals
• Educating students on policys
• Have patience and know when to reprimand students

Behavioral issues

• Attention to bad behavior can have negative effects
• Every situation is different, teachers must be trained
• Availability of counseling
• Students should be given every chance to succeed

Literacy skills

• Learning from an unfamiliar language
• kids begin learning English late
• Hearing issues
• Difficulty to follow class

Aware of policy changes and educated themselves

• Ability to communicate with students
• Know the expectations for students/teachers
• Give students reason, rather than no answer
• 'Wicked problems'
• Changing education policy to benefit aboriginals
• Know how and when to reprimand students

Behavioral issues

• Distraction in class
• Not learning anything
• Negative attitude towards education
• Punishment leads to resentment

(Beresford, Partington. 2007)

Behavioral Issues

• It is an expectation
• Parental influence
• Parents banned from schools in 1950's
• "Educated by missionaries"
• Racism in Australia (Foreign student beatings)
• Lack of self-belief
• Few work opportunities and role models

Rejection of integration

• Don't want to abandon culture
• Large portion unproductive for gov.
• Many feel resentment over past treatment
• Use of financial benefits for substance abuse
• Frequency of ear infections in children

Current issues with teachers, students, and govt.

Location

• Many live far from schools in rural areas
• Don't attend preschool
• Must leave homeland

Language Barrier

• Don't begin learning English until they reach primary school
• No certified aboriginal courses
• Students cannot follow class
• 'Close the Gap' - organization that works to improve literacy
• Poor performance resulting in lack of motivation and segregation