Asian and Australia’s engagement with Asia

       Australia is geographically connected with Asia; therefore, young Australians need to prepare to engage with peoples from the Asian region both at home and aboard (McRae, 2008, p. 1). Some Asian countries like China, India, and many other nations are rising rapidly and the influence they have in all areas of global endeavour is wide-ranging (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA], 2012). The future of Australia is strongly linked to the strength of the relationships and understandings that we build with Asian countries (Asia Education Foundation, n.d.). It is important for all Australian students to “understand and acknowledge the value of culture and linguistic diversity, and process the knowledge, skills and understanding to contribute to and benefit from such diversity in the Australian community and internationally” (McRae, 2008, p. 1). 

       Students need to be taught to operate effectively across cultures with different worldviews through studying geography leading to greater understanding of the environments, peoples, economics, cultures and religious beliefs of Asian countries (Australian Government: Department of Education Science and Training [AGDEST], 2006). A geographical perspective of places in Asia and an understanding of Australia’s extensive engagement in areas such as “trade, investment, immigration, tourism, education and humanitarian assistance” will help students to understand the interconnectedness of the region and be prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of living and working in partnership with Asia in the future (ACARA, 2012). Students will also become more familiar with the richness and diversity of culture within Asia widening their perceptions of the world (AGDEST, 2006). Through all of these understandings students will learn to respect and value people of other cultures as God desire (Mark 12:31).

 Helpful links and videos for primary teachers:

South East Asia Interactive Map - 

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/mappuzzle/seasia-puzzle.html

Families of the World Vidoes (MasterCommunications, 2011)
Families of Philippines 

Families of Afghanistan

Families of Vietnam

Families of Thailand

Families of Korea

Families of Japan

Families of India

Families of China

References

Asian Education Foundation. (n.d.). Why Asia skills. Retrieved 11 April 2013 from

http://www.asiaeducation.edu.au/teachers/asia_skills/why_asia_skills.html

Australian Curriculum  Assessment and Report Authority. (2012). Draft F-12

Australian curriculum: Geography [PDF file]. Retrieved 10 April 2012 from 

http://www.acara.edu.au/verve/_resources/2._Draft_F-12_Australian

_Curriculum_-_Geography.pdf

Australian Government: Department of Education Science and Training. (2006).

National statement for engaging young Australians with Asia in Australian

schools [PDF file]. Carlton South, VIC: Curriculum Corporation.

Holy Bible: New International Version. (1988). Grand Rapid, MI: Zondervan

Corporation.

MasterCommunication. (2011). Families of the World. Retrieved 20 April 2013 from

http://www.youtube.com/user/MasterCommunications?feature=watch

McRae, D. (2008). Now more than ever we live in one world [PDF file]. Carlton

South, VIC: Curriculum Corporation.