Direct Instruction for “At-risk Children” and the Australian Curriculum: Toward a better Understanding of the Appeal of Behaviourism in Cross-cultural Contexts of Learning

Anna Lian, Amy Norman, Kath Midgley, Cindy Napiza

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    Abstract

    Currently, education policies in many countries around the world are driven by the needs of the “knowledge society”, a term used to capture the focus on creative and critical thinking skills and dispositions which describe 21st-century learning goals. However, when considering the international predilection for predetermined knowledge standards, results can elicit anxiety for governments. In response to these pressures, in some countries education implements prescriptive models of pedagogy which mould and control the learning of children and youths. This chapter engages critically with the teaching method called Direct Instruction, which has been described as being a tightly prescribed program and appropriate to improve learning outcomes in primary schools across rural and remote areas of Australia (Wilson, 2014). The critique examines Direct Instruction in relation to the Australian Curriculum (ACARA, 2014a) and discusses implications for teacher training and research. In the light of this discussion, the chapter examines examples of issues concerning the implementation of Direct Instruction in the Northern Territory of Australia. The chapter concludes by discussing the threads that it identifies as prevalent in education as a whole, which make it difficult for the field to take a strong stand regarding the implementation of Direct Instruction.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationChallenges in Global Learning
    Subtitle of host publicationDealing with Education Issues from an International Perspective
    EditorsAnia Lian, Peter Kell, Paul Black, Koo Yew Lie
    Place of PublicationUK
    PublisherCambridge Scholars Publishing
    Chapter6
    Pages123-141
    Number of pages19
    Edition1
    ISBN (Electronic)9781443844987
    ISBN (Print)9781443899802
    Publication statusPublished - 2017

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