Faculty of Education - Theses

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Subject: Australia × Subject: Adult education × Start date: 2000 × End date: 2004 ×

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    Teachers as cultural workers in TAFE
    Senior, Kim Ann ( 2004)
    In democratic, plural societies teachers and educational institutions play a key role in the socialisation and development of the collective, cultural consciousness of students. If the goal of such development is a civil and democratic society, pedagogical practice has implications not only for student outcomes but also for the broader community. Technical and Further Education (TAFE) delivers post-compulsory education to more than a million students at secondary schools, TAFE campuses and workplaces across Australia. Historically homogeneous, TAFE institutions and teachers are expected to prepare students for, and teach in, an increasingly heterogeneous environment. This qualitative study set out to investigate at one TAFE institute: # what TAFE teachers know or understand about cultural diversity and its impact on their classrooms; # the ways in which TAFE teachers believe they address the issues arising from cultural diversity; and # effective professional development to support teachers. The study found that teacher understanding about cultural diversity and its impact on classrooms was predominately limited to discussion about international students. Teachers described strategies that focused on student needs and attitudes that promote positive relationships with students as the means by which they address cultural diversity in the classroom. The study also found that while most teachers had engaged in reflective practice in dealing with tensions within the classroom environment, some felt ill prepared for changes to their teaching environment. Finally, the study has identified the need for professional development that will develop teachers' cultural awareness beyond an explanation of 'other' and provide opportunity for collaborative pedagogical discussion.