Australia’s System of Education
The system claims to be the highest standard and enjoys international renown. University graduates excel at the cutting edge of research and innovation; and vocational and technical education driving the thriving industrial sector. It is also widely recognised as a world leader in the field of international education and English language training.
International Students & Cultural Links
More than 400,000 students from around 200 countries receive an Australian education each year. Courses are offered both in Australia and overseas. In addition to long-term courses, many institutions also offer programs that assist international students in their learning, such as ‘foundation studies’ and English-language courses. Many of them from China, India, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia.The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 requires institutions to provide education meeting nationally consistent standards in education delivery, facilities and services.In addition, cultural links are formed with neighbours in the Asia Pacific region for Australian universities.
The Australian Education International (AEI) collaborates with governments to develop education partnerships of mutual benefit, informing people of Australia’s strengths in education, training, research and innovation; and raises Australia’s reputation as a provider of high quality international education services. Australian Scholarships promotes development and excellence in education and aims to build mutual understanding between Australia and its Asia–Pacific partners. Training programs are also offered to enhance the overseas participant’s professional or managerial skills and to meet the needs of overseas employers.
Education Path
The typical education path that every child must take starts from an early childhood education right up to primary and secondary schooling and furthering their studies in local or overseas universities or VET.
The objective of early childhood education involves providing all children in the year before formal schooling with 15 hours of quality play-based early learning for a minimum of 40 weeks per year. The government aims to make it accessible, affordable and integrated early childhood education and child care to ensure all Australian children are fully prepared for learning and life. As for primary and secondary schooling, the Digital Education Revolution help students acquire the skills and knowledge needed to participate in society and employment in a digital world. The teaching approach is highly interactive and students are encouraged to participate and develop skills and knowledge.
There are two types of post-school education programs: those offered by institutions and industry in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector; and those offered by universities and other higher education providers. Australia’s VET system delivers practical and career-oriented training, equipping individuals with the skills required in a modern economy. As for the Australian universities, they have an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research, with academic staff recruited from Australia and around the world. Universities and other higher education institutions offer programs leading to bachelor and a range of postgraduate degrees, including higher degrees by research.
Education for Indigenous Australians
In order to maintain their culture, the indigenous Australians need a system that support Aboriginality as well as learning sklls to adapt and participate in the modern Australian society. Attempts have been made to include all these through employing traditional teaching techniques and using Aboriginal languages in schools.
The traditional cultures of Australia see learning as bestowing the gift of knowledge and skills from one person to another. Also, there are many parallels between traditional teaching practices and those used in modern classrooms. Examples are storytelling and conducting demonstrations. Group activities are also encouraged.
Teaching Language
It is essential for teachers to understand their students’ cultural identity and students respond well when they learn about their “home” language. For this reason, the preferred language for students during group work is their home language. Teachers need to respect the different home languages but inculcate the importance of the standard Australian English as well.
Two- Way Schooling
In order to achieve the goals of the education system, the people need the skills that are taught in a formal education. Hence in recognizing the link between culture and skills, new schools have been set up such as the Koorie Open Door Education to conduct two way schooling which brings the best of Indigenous and non Indigenous way of teaching and learning. Mutual respect is needed between teachers and students due to the different community cultures.
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