James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

ED4945:04

Isolated Communities as Educational Contexts *

20 hours lectures, 10 hours tutorials. Semester 2.

Available to level 3 and level 4 BEd students as an elective.

Staff: Mr G Coombs.

This subject introduces students to the particular challenges that accompany the provision of a sound and socially just education to people choosing to live and work in isolated communities. Relevant local and overseas research and policy texts will be examined critically to evaluate recommendations for the provision of educational services to remote and culturally diverse populations and contexts. Careful attention will be given to teachers’ work, community based educational discourses and access to post-schooling employment. Addressing the issues of schooling in isolated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and ‘new industry’ towns will be an important feature of this subject.

Learning Objectives:

1. critically examine a range of policy and curriculum interventions that address issues of social justice, cultural diversity and schooling in isolated areas;
2. appreciate the potential and likely impact of new and emerging communication technologies on education in isolated communities;
3. understand the close relationship that exists between schools and their communities in remote localities;
4. begin to develop a set of resources and strategies that will facilitate the work of teachers newly appointed to isolated communities.

Assessment by an article review essay (approximately 1500 words) (30%); review presentation (20%); resource collection (50%).