Research Projects
Current provision of Indigenous Language Programs 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
Expected Completion Date: August 2007
Funding: DEST
Deliverables:
(a) 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 delivering or wishing to deliver such programmes;
(b) an evaluation of the wider application to the Australian context of an immersion style training programme, based on aspects of the ‘Masters-Apprentice’ model used in the US and Canada as being trialled by NSW Aboriginal Languages Research and Resource Centre;
(c) identification and evaluation of at least six good practice examples of Indigenous language programmes operating in Australian schools. This evaluation will include the identification of critical factors contributing to the delivery of good practice Indigenous language programmes in schools;
(d) 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