Research Projects
Investigate the Current Provision of Indigenous Language Programmes in Schools
Project Director: Dr Nola Purdie
The Department of Education, Science and Training has commissioned this project because the situation of Australia’s languages is very grave and requires urgent action. The project involves a comprehensive literature review, a comprehensive mapping exercise to capture what is happening nationally with respect to Indigenous languages in schools, an analysis of existing models of teacher preparation and professional learning, case studies of good practice, and an evaluation of the New South Wales Master-Apprentice model. The project runs from July 2006 to August 2007.
Staff: Nola Purdie, Tracey Frigo (ACER), Geoff Noblett (Phillips KPA), Nick Thieberger (University of Melbourne). Chris Bain, Denise Angelo and Robert Ah Wing (QLD DEA) are critical friends to the project.
Expected Completion Date: December 2007
Funding: Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training
Deliverables: Comprehensive literature review and documentation of results of mapping exercise, including analysis and evaluation of existing teacher preparation, training and professional learning models in each State and Territory for teachers and speakers of Indigenous languages; an evaluation of the wider application to the Australian context of an immersion style training programme, based on aspects of the ‘Masters-Apprentice’ as being trialled by NSW Aboriginal Languages Research and Resource Centre; identification and evaluation of at least six good practice examples of Indigenous language programmes operating in Australian schools; publication, delivery and distribution to the Australian Government and 24 education authorities of 30 copies of a Project Report containing key recommendations for action that can be undertaken in the next phase of the Project to improve sustainability and quality of Indigenous language programmes delivered in Australian schools.
Publications/ Links: Details of publications, curriculum materials, and relevant organizations for people working in Indigenous languages Indigenous Language Education.
Purdie, N. (2006a, October). Indigenous language programmes in Australian schools. Invited address presented at the National Seminar on Languages Education: Maximising the Opportunity. Canberra, ACT.
Purdie, N. (2006b, November). Indigenous language programmes in Australian schools. Paper presented at the 4th National Australian Indigenous Education Conference, Newcastle, NSW.