Author: Paula Kelly

Publisher:

Published: 1984

Total Pages: 149

ISBN-13: 9780642874146

This study describes the situation of young refugees from Kampuchea, Laos and Viet Nam in Australian schools. It aims to promote understanding of the problems facing Indo-Chinese students and of their experiences and attitudes. It is intended as a working document for people involved in education and curriculum development. Data were gathered from students, parents and educators by means of case studies, interviews, questionnaires and workshops. The six chapters include information on: 1) the experiences of refugees in their own countries and during resettlement in Australia; 2) the different cultural and religious backgrounds of the various ethnic groups; 3) the educational systems in their countries of origin; 4) the techniques used in schools in Australia and the attitudes of teachers to refugee students; 5) the results of questionnaires and interviews with teachers, students and parents; and 6) five individual case studies. The research findings are presented in both tabular and descriptive form. The authors emphasize that refugees from Indo-China constitute a wide range of cultural, socio-economic, religious and political groups. However, in many cases, students are stereotyped by the media and by teachers, who view them as a homogeneous group and ignore their different ethnic origins. While there are some innovative teachers and programmes in Australia, the authors found that these were isolated and there was no opportunity for sharing experiences. There is a lack of trained ethnic teachers. The authors conclude that many students have not succeeded in adapting from the educational system in their countries of origin to the educational system in Australia. Most schools have reacted to the migration in an unplanned and uncoordinated manner. Among the specific causes of action recommended are suitable training for teachers; the exchange of ideas among teachers; and the integration of ethnic teachers. The study ends with a bibliography.