Adapting the Australian educational curriculum for global economic competitiveness

Ethics Form

Consent Form

I ____ fully give my consent to participate in the research study that is being conducted on improving the Australian educational curriculum on this day of ____. I attest that I am of legal age of consent to enter such decisions and am doing so of my own free will. I acknowledge that I am of sound mental capacity to: understand the possible benefits and risks of participating in such a study. Those subjects who are of Aboriginal or non-English speaking cultures will be given special considerations, to help accommodate the various cultural and language barriers. All information will be kept in strict confidence and all records will be stored under a lock / key at all times. The only people who will have access to this information are: the Chief Inspector. I am aware that all personal information collected and stored will only be used as part of the research study. I further acknowledge that all group meetings and focus groups will recorded for research purposes. All attempts will be taken, to ensure the psychological and physical well being of: all subjects are being accounted for. The purpose of the research has been explained to me about the possible risks and discomforts. I understand the intention of the research study and the consent form that has been presented to me. Therefore, I knowledge and understand that I am entering this research study, of my own free will and have the right to not participate in the proceedings at any time.

Section Two Research Proposal

2.1 Research question purpose or aims of the project.

As the economy of Australia is being impacted by globalization, this has been creating a change in the demographics of the population. For the education system, this means that the curriculum must be adapted to reflect these changes and to keep the nation economically competitive. To determine how to achieve these objectives various aims will be examined during the study to include examining: the history of the education system, where it currently ranks, the demographics of the young population, how it is being impacted by globalization and what tools / tactics can be utilized to adapt to these changes. At the same time different, questions will be asked to help focus the overall efforts of the research. The various questions that will be asked as part of the research include:

1. The impact that a change in curriculum would have on the Australian education system?

2. Would this help to better prepare Australians for specific challenges they face in the future?

3. Are these changes in curriculum offering quantifiable results?

Once the different research aims and questions have been answered, is when you will be able to see how the curriculum of the education system needs to be adapted, to reflect these challenges.

2.2 Outline the research design and/or the nature of the project.

The research design that will be utilized is qualitative and quantitative research. This is when you are analyzing the different sources of information, to see the effect upon the different participants. While quantitative research is when you are collecting and analyzing the views of various individuals through a sample study. This will help to provide a more balanced view, as to the overall scope of the problem and what are the various effects on all sides. The will ensure that the research being conducted, is objective as possible when looking at the issue.

2.3 Outline the value and benefits of the project.

The value / benefits of the project would be to identify specific issues that are affecting the education system and possible solutions that could be utilized. This will help the teachers and administrators, be able to effectively utilize their limited resources as effectively as possible. As far as the community is concerned, this research will help to make the local economy as competitive as possible, by ensuring that the workforce is highly educated / specialized. These are necessary to remain competitive in a world that is demanding specific skill sets, for various positions. This will benefit the discipline of study, by ensuring that educators know how to adapt the curriculum to the changes that are taking place. The literature review will help to identify what specific issues are affecting curriculum and what tools / tactics can be utilized to address what is occurring.

2.4 Despite the value and benefits of the project, outline the burdens and/or risks (if any) of the project to your research participants and/or other people and the details of how the Chief Investigator will respond to such risks

The burdens to risk participants will be protected by not asking respondents for any kind of personal information. At the same time, any kind of data that may be obtained during the process of conducting the research will be placed, under the control of the Chief Investigator. This person will have the responsibility of addressing the various ethical / privacy issues that could affect participants. ("Information Privacy Principals," 2010)

Section Three Participant Details and Recruitment

3.1 Give the number of intended research participants.

NA.

3.2 (a) From where will the research participants be recruited?

NA.

(b) How will research participants be recruited?

NA.

3.3 If you are going to utilize a database as an information source, have you established that the participants named on the database, have given their details to be used for research purposes?

Yes [ ] No []

3.4 How will you obtain a research participant's agreement to be involved in your research?

Consent form. This will be used as an agreement between researchers and participants. Where, this will clearly define: how the information will be used, it ensures that the safety of participants is protected during the study and this allows respondents to drop out of the study at any point in time. At the same time, individuals will have access to all of their personal information that was collected. This is in line with the Principals of Privacy and Freedom of Information Act. ("Information Privacy Principals," 2010)

3.5 How will you be protecting the research participants' confidentiality?

NA.

3.6 (a) Is it possible that your research gaining informed consent from research participants such as: minors, people in dependent relationships, the mentally ill or unconscious patients?

Yes [ ] No [x]

(b) Please provide details on how the research participant's rights will be protected?

NA.

3.7 (a) Is it possible that some of your participants will be from Aboriginal or from non-English speaking backgrounds?

Yes [ ] No []

(b) Please provide an explanation for your response above if Yes of No.

NA

3.8 Does your research involve the collection of human tissue?

Yes [ ] No [x]

3.9 Does your research involve children or young people under the age of 18? Yes [ ] No [x]

Section Four Methodology

4.1 Describe the research procedures / methodology as they affect the research participants and any other parties involved? Comment on biomedical procedures to elicit information, procedures designed to influence the knowledge, thinking, attitudes, feelings or other aspects of behavior of research participants.

The research methodology will be a combination of the quantitative and qualitative approach. The qualitative approach is being used to examine a variety of sources of information, to see the impact that this is having on the lives of the individual. While the quantitative approach will be collecting specific samples, to see what individual factors could be affecting respondents. This is in line with the Principals of Privacy and Freedom of Information Act, as the two methods would ensure that the study is accurate as possible. ("Information Privacy Principals," 2010)

4.2 Does the project involve any of the following procedures?

Yes [ ] No [x]

(a) The use of chemical compounds, drugs or biological agents?

Yes [ ] No [x]

(b) Any invasive procedures?

Yes [ ] No [x]

(c) Any identification procedures?

Yes [ ] No [x]

(d) Deception of participants at any stage of the project?

Yes [ ] No [x]

(e) Assessing confidential personal data without prior consent of research participants?

Yes [ ]

No [x]

(f) Obtaining information from another party which requires identification of research participant?

Yes [ ] No [x]

4.3 Has your application been made for external funding?

Yes [ ] No [x]

4.4 Does this research involve another institution?

Yes [ ] No [x]

Section Five Ethical Considerations

5.1 What, in your opinion are the ethical considerations in this proposal?

The ethical considerations of this proposal are objectivity. The reason why this is so important is because: of the heated emotions and politics, that often cloud the debate in this area. In the proposal the views and ideas from all different sides are respected. At which point, researchers can be more objective about what is occurring. Once this takes place, is when the underlying issues can be identified and possible solutions will be created.

At the same time, the issues of privacy and safety must be taken into account. To address the issue of privacy, researchers will only ask respondents for personal information that is necessary for the study. Any kind of other personal information that is collected will be securely stored and monitored by the Chief Investigator. ("Information Privacy Principals," 2010)

5.2 Give details of the arrangements that have been made for the safe storage of the data and also the measures, which will be adopted to protect confidential records about research participants?

(a) During the study. All data will be securely stored under lock and key.

(b) After the study. All data will be stored under lock and key. The Chief Investigator will be the only person who is allowed access to the information.

5.3 How will confidential records be destroyed after the study is complete?

NA.

5.4 Will anyone else, apart from the Chief Investigators, have access to confidential records or human tissue samples?

Yes [ ] No [x]

5.5 May any party, other than investigators claim ownership of the materials or results derived from the research?

Yes [ ] No [x]

5.6 Are there any comments you would like to add which may assist the Committee in its consideration of this project? No.

Section Six Declaration

Consent form Yes [x] No [ ]

Information sheet Yes [x] No [ ]

Surveys -- non-standard questionnaire Yes [ ] No [ ]

Ethics approval from external institutions Yes [ ] No [x]

Interview guide Yes [ ] No [x]

Notification of clearance to work with children Yes [ ] No [ ]

6.1 If you are unable to provide the committee with any of the above supporting material please explain?

6.2 Can the Chief Investigator certify that the investigators and assistants involved in experimentation have been fully briefed on procedures and relevant ethical considerations?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

6.3 Have the investigators and assistance involved in the experimentation read the guidelines of the relevant professional body?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

Research Proposal

Abstract

The research study that is going to be undertaken will examine: the underlying challenges that the Australian education system faces in the future and how curriculum can be adapted to reflect these changes. This will help the nation to be more flexible in adapting to the effects from globalization, as the country is at the crossroad between Asia and the West.

Synopsis of Literature

The demographics of Australia are changing, as the country now has 28.8% of the total population born elsewhere. Out of this number 55.7% of the people do not speak English. This problematic, because the changes in globalization are: changing the demographics of the population. To adapt to what has been taking place, means that the education system must embrace curriculum standards that will address the changing population demographics and prepare students for the challenges that they will face in the future. As a result, some kind of study must be conducted, to determine what factors are affecting the curriculum at schools throughout the commonwealth. ("National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia," 2010) The literature review will seek to answer how and in what ways the curriculum of the education system must be adapted; to reflect the changes that are taking place in the economy as well as the population demographics. This will provide a historical and current prospective on the overall scope of the problem and how these different challenges can be addressed. Once this takes place, is when you will have a more in depth understanding the situation.

Research Aims / Objectives

The research aims of the study include: the history of the education system, where it currently ranks, the demographics of the young population, how it is being impacted by globalization and what tools / tactics can be utilized to adapt to these changes. The various questions that will be examined are:

1. The impact that a change in curriculum would have on the Australian education system?

2. Would this help to better prepare Australians for specific challenges they face in the future?

3. Are these changes in curriculum offering quantifiable results?

The different aims and questions of the research will focus the efforts on a variety of different factors that could be affecting the education system, from a number of different perspectives. Given the fact that this is an area of heated debate, an approach must utilized that will examine all the different variables and provide possible solutions.

Methodology

The methodology that will be utilized is the qualitative approach. This is where you are examining different pieces of research on the subject, to determine the underlying causes. With this approach, helping you to understand the total scope of: the problem from different perspectives. This will allow the study to remain objective, while identifying a variety of issues and possible ways that they can be addressed. Once this occurs, is when everyone will be able to understand what steps need to be taken to address the problem.

Data Collection and Analysis

The type of data that will be produced from the research is a variety of pieces of information, which will highlight a number of different variables affecting the education system. To include: the history of the education system, where it currently ranks, the demographics of the young population, how it is being impacted by globalization and what tools / tactics can be utilized to adapt to these changes. At the same time, we will be using the observation method as a way of being able to see how participants are responding to various questions. This is when the researcher will pay attention to the responses of participants. Where, they want to see their non-verbal reactions to various questions someone could be asked. (Blaster, 2006, pg. 178) Once this is complete all of these different pieces of information will be compared and corroborated with each other, as an analysis will be conducted. At which point, this will help to provide an overall understanding of the problem and possible solutions for mitigating these effects.

Introduction

Over the last several decades, Australia has undergone a tremendous transformation. At the heart of the changes, are the forces of globalization having a dramatic impact upon society and the economy of Australia. Evidence of this can be seen by looking no further than the population demographics from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, which found that 20.8% of Australian citizens were born overseas. When you look further at the number, 44.3% of immigrants came from English speaking countries, while 55.7% are from non-English speaking countries. ("National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia," 2010) This is significant, because it shows a fundamental shift is occurring, with the population and economy from globalization. Where, the commonwealth is becoming more diverse, reflecting changing realities within society and the economy. For the education system, the challenge is adapting to these changes that are taking place because of globalization. This means that some type of change must occur with the way curriculum is presented, to reflect more of an international perspective. In the past there have been attempts to address this issue, by providing a national guideline on curriculum. The most notable changes were occurring at: the Australia Education Council meeting in 1991. Where, it laid out eight different learning areas to address these challenges to include: technology, mathematics, English, languages other than English, the arts, health / physical education and studies of science / society. However, over the course of time, these learning areas were often criticized by educators and administrators, who felt that a bunch of bureaucrats were determining the curriculum for the entire commonwealth. At which point, many schools and areas would begin to determine their own curriculum on an individual basis. Some good examples of this can be seen with in Victoria and New South Wales. In Victoria they re- evaluated the curriculum and began to deviate from the eight areas. This was accomplished by having students focus on more individual subjects at the secondary level. While in New South Wales, they have introduced major changes to the syllabus, by modifying the curriculum as well. (Marsh, 2004, pp. 24 -- 25) This is problematic, because the lack of having coherent national standards; means that a shot gun approach is being taken with curriculum. Where, each state / territory will determine for themselves what type of curriculum makes sense for them. Given the sharp changes in the economy and the population, this means that a curriculum standard must be established that will provide increased flexibility (on a national level). At the same time, it needs to reflect those principles that will be necessary for Australians, to remain competitive in the global market place. Therefore, some kind of reform needs to take place in curriculum of the education system.

Effectively Improving Curriculum

To improve curriculum, you must use a number of different tools and strategies in conjunction with one another. The biggest aspect that is going to be utilized is flexibility. This is because the educators and administrators need to have enough room, to adapt the curriculum to changes that are occurring. This means that they need to have some kind of flexibility, in determining how the curriculum can be applied on the school level. The problem with this is that there could be too little flexibility, which would only frustrate educators and administrators. A good example of this can be seen with a study conducted by Phi Delta Kappan, which found that 44 schools that were given increased amounts of flexibility were: resistant to such changes. The reason why, is because these standards provided too little flexibility, to make any kind of difference. Once this takes place, it meant that the staff would be resistant to such changes, as they see it as a waste of time. (Wohlester, 1995) Instead, an approach needs to be utilized that will address these issues, while providing increased amounts flexibility on the all levels. One way to do this is to: survey different educators and administrators, about what their views are on how the education system can be improved. These ideas could be examined by a committee that will be reforming curriculum and making specific recommendations. On this committee, you would want to have: government officials, educators, administrators and key members of the general public. This is important, because this is following the basic principal that was outlined, by the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians. If this kind of committee can be formed, it must keep an open mind when examining the issue. At which point, the chances are excellent that a workable curriculum policy will be developed that will address the various issues of: the government, educators and administrators. Once this occurs and you implement some of the different ideas, they will address some of the disparities within the curriculum. Then, you are making sure that any areas, which have been overlooked or may have become possible challenges, are rectified immediately. This will ensure that the curriculum will have the greatest impact upon the students. At which point, Australia will become even more competitive. (Wohlester, 1995)

Next you must create different strategies that can help, to effectively reach out to students as much as possible. This means that teachers need to have greater flexibility in how they are reaching out to students. One way to do this is to design the curriculum to address increases, in the overall quality of learning comprehension. This means that you must look at a number of different elements including: presentation of accurate information, creating an effective dialogue among the class, the ability to ask questions / participate in the discussion, using technology as an education aid and developing assignments that are relevant to classroom / real world. Under this kind of system, the role of teachers would change, where they are more along the lines of a coach or mentor. This means that teaching through the traditional lecture type of format will be reduced. Instead, an approach will be utilized that will respond to each students needs, by making the conversations more exciting and having numerous ways, to present the material to students. (Earnest, 2006, pg. 83)

One way to help achieve this objective is to use technology to improve the overall amounts of learning comprehension. Under this part of the strategy, you are creating a learning environment that would have each student be responsible for teaching themselves. Where, the initial idea will be presented to them through a more informal discussion in groups and then as a class. As this is taking place, you would use different visual aids, to reach out to each student's different learning styles and will have several ways of presenting the material. At which point, you could use technology as part of the class work, to help provide further explanation to students. (Earnest, 2006, pg. 83)

This is important, because utilizing this kind of strategy is teaching students to be prepared for the challenges that they will face in the real world. Where, the constant use of technology will help to make them better prepared, for the challenges they will face in the future. In a world that is being affected by globalization, this is important, because it is helping to prepare a variety of students for the future work environment. As the presentation of new material, will help the student be able to learn what is required, to be in accordance with basic standards. Once you begin to use different visual aids is when you will be able, to help students to think more creatively. This will reach out to students, by presenting the material in another format. When you begin having students use technology to conduct further research on their own, you are helping to prepare them for the real world, by showing them how to find information and think for themselves. In addition you are also helping increase their knowledge of how to use different pieces of technology. Once this takes place, is when you will be able to reach out to students on multiple levels, by having them learn the basic material and then increase their overall understanding. Over the course of time, this will help to prepare students for the challenges that they will face in the real world, by providing them with the ability to troubleshoot and think critically on their own. These are the keys in understanding how to successfully adapt to changes that are occurring in the economy. When you apply these principals as a part of the curriculum, it will help to ensure that students have the most complete explanation, while making learning exciting. (Organization for Economic Cooperation, 2006, pp. 36 -- 37)

Clearly, the Australian school system is at a cross roads. Where, the changes that were made in the past have helped the schools, to adapt to the adjustments that were occurring with the economy and society. This has caused the school system to remain at the forefront, in comparison with other school systems in the developed world. However, the problem with the curriculum that is being utilized is that it reflects the realities of what was occurring nearly 20 years ago. This has caused a number of different states and territories to alter from the curriculum requirements, by augmenting it with curriculum that will reflect the realities of their schools. The problem with using this approach is that it similar, to cancer that is allowed to spread. If left unchecked, it will cause the underlying levels of educational quality to decline dramatically. At which point, current disparities will only become worse as areas such as: improving teacher accountability, keeping the class sizes smaller and addressing in equalities will become focal points of heated debate. To prevent this situation from occurring, an approach needs to be utilized that will address these issues to include: cooperation between government officials / educators and using specific strategies / tools in the classroom, to help improve learning comprehension. When you put this together, with flexibility, it shows that using an approach that can adapt, to the needs of the school and the students; will help to increase learning comprehension. This strategy could be augmented with some of the programs that the government has been gradually using to address this issue such as: the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. As a result, the combined efforts would help to effectively reform curriculum, to address the changes of the economy and the population demographics, by providing an international perspective for curriculum standards.