Towards a future for the study of Asia in Australia. Asia on a shoestring?

Abstract

It is in Australia's interests to develop and maintain clear, knowledgeable, sympathetic yet not entirely uncritical discourse with, and about, Asia. This can only happen to the extent that Australians extend their knowledge and understandings ofAsian cultures and peoples. A sound knowledge of Asia is needed on the part of Australia's teachers, and, ipso facto, of its teacher educators. Asia content does not feature prominently in many Australian teacher education programs, and is often relegated to elective subjects, undertaken by a minority of students. The majority of compulsory subjects contains little Asia content. This study looks at the work of two teacher educators in Australia, identified as being among those achieving optimal or innovative practice. While these individuals and those with whom they work are realising impressive outcomes, they attest and appear to be swimming against the current. This is particularly so in the context of a decision by the Federal Government not to renew funding apportioned to the teaching and learning of Asia in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate a creative dialogue on best practice in the teaching of Asia, and on alternative means of generating, or working in the absence of,financial support.