National Conference On Racism In A Global Context

Interrupting the cycle of racism: Initial Teacher Education and anti-racism teaching

Nado Aveling (School of Education, Murdoch University)

James Bell (School of Education, Murdoch University)

Elizabeth Matthews (School of Education, Murdoch University)

Anne Price (School of Education, Murdoch University)

Many researchers worldwide have documented the presence of racism in education. In the Australian context, Cahill has argued that the nature and extent of racism is poorly understood and that "principals and teachers were not well-equipped to deal with the more covert expressions of racism" (1996, 94). As teacher educators we believe that if Initial Teacher Education students are to become successful classroom practitioners, and not simply good technicians, they need to understand the pervasiveness of racist practices, and be able to interrogate their own assumptions and racialised subject positions. In this presentation we highlight the importance of Welcome to, and Acknowledgement of Country protocols that go beyond a tokenistic approach, discuss the benefits of increasing the cultural diversity of the teaching workforce and the support required by Initial Teacher Education students from culturally diverse backgrounds who may be confronted by covert forms of racism during their school practicum and finally, outline a number anti-racism strategies that we have successfully used with our students.

Session 10, Stream 2

Date & Time: Sunday 11 November (10.45am)

Location : CM Lounge

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Global Education and Racism

Alison Bullock (One World Centre)

Jenni Morellini (One World Centre)

The One World Centre provides professional development to teachers and student teachers in the area of Global Education. Global education teaches students the values, skills, attitudes and knowledge that will enable them to be aware and empowered global citizens of the future, able to work for a peaceful, just and sustainable world for all.

The OWC Professional Development programmes work with teachers to develop learning experiences for children with a global perspective. Two of the themes of global education are identity and cultural diversity and social justice and human rights. It is activities using these themes that the presenter will demonstrate and discuss during the workshop. The activities will focus on perceptions and stereotypes and their impact on racism and cultural understandings.

The resources from the Centre available to teachers on the topic of racism will also be on display during the workshop for participants to view. These resources include two kits on racism. These kits need to be updated and a discussion will be held during the workshop for participants to make suggestions about what should be included in the revised display kits.

Session 10, Stream 2

Date & Time: Sunday 11 November (11.30pm)

Location : CM Lounge