James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2002

ED4925:04

Education in Torres Strait

Townsville, Cairns

HECS Band 1

35 hours. Semester 1 external.

Staff: Assoc. Professor B Osborne.

This subject requires access to Web-based material. Students wishing to study this subject should ensure that they are able to access the necessary hardware and software. Information on distance mode requirements is available from the School of Education, Cairns campus.

This subject introduces students to education in Torres Strait within an historical, socio-political and cultural framework. Students are required to analyse various research and policy texts to examine major issues impacting on the education of Torres Strait Islanders and to suggest potential resolutions of these issues.

Learning Objectives:

  1. demonstrate an understanding of the historical background to schooling Torres Strait Islanders;
  2. appreciate the complexity of educational issues confronting both Torres Strait Islanders and their teachers;
  3. critically examine a variety of approaches which have been posited as useful for teaching Torres Strait Islanders;
  4. develop teaching approaches as well as modifications to core curriculum and its assessment which might be used if teaching Torres Strait Islanders.

Assessment by Web-based test on three topics (30%); web conferenced seminars (30%); personal policy paper (2000 words) (40%).