Australian students' knowledge and understanding of Asia

Patrick Griffin, University of Melbourne
Mark Dulhunty, University of Melbourne
Kerrie Woods, University of Melbourne
Hamish Coates, University of Melbourne

Abstract

The Assessment Research Centre at the University of Melbourne was commissioned to conduct a

survey of Australian students’ knowledge and understanding of Asia. Specifically, the aims of this

project were:

• to collect and analyse national data on Australian primary and secondary students’

knowledge about Asia and their attitudes to learning about Asia;

• to provide the means for the Commonwealth, states and territories, National Asian

Language and Studies in Australian Schools (NALSAS) and the Asia Education

Foundation (AEF) to extend beyond this project by identifying patterns of educational

context that influence students’ knowledge and attitudes;

• to provide state and territory schools with calibrated attitudinal and achievement tests of

Australian students' knowledge, attitudes and understanding of Asia;

• to assess the effectiveness of the Access Asia schools program by comparing the

knowledge and attitudes of students attending schools participating in the program with

those of non-participating schools.

A sample of more than 7000 students was drawn from all Australian states and territories, and

stratified to take into account state and program representation. Data were collected from students,

teachers and principals (the latter in all states except New South Wales). Scales were developed

and analysed to identify levels of knowledge, understanding and attitude. These levels were then

analysed according to data from student background, program involvement, teaching practices

and school policy. Results revealed variations in student learning that were systematically linked

to school and teacher commitment to studies of Asia as well as to curriculum and resource use.