An ill informed and poor source of debate on education
Tonight’s episode of The Drum on ABC24 is a classic example
of what is wrong with the education debate within Australia. Hosted by former
journalist Julia Baird, she asked the panel consisting of a politician, editor
and ex-political advisor/journalist to comment on new Education Minister
Christopher Pyne’s views about the need to review Australian history in
schools.
Before we examine the issue, note the composition of the
panel: they were all journalists and politicians. If they were to have a
discussion about Iraq or Syria I’m sure they could locate an expert on Middle
Eastern politics from a university and similarly a medical or technology expert
on related matters. Come to think of it, I’m sure there are many teachers like
myself or professors in education departments around Australia who would love
to get that sort of air time. But no! This is only education after all and Julia’s
reminiscence about an out dated history textbook are more than enough expertise
to share around.
As such, the debate about the Australian history curriculum
replayed old arguments about black arm band views on history with one panellist
bemoaning the lack of Australian history in the Australian history curriculum.
At least one of them had the decency to admit that he wasn’t an expert but he
too had his input.
This is the core reason why education in Australia is going
backwards and we are stuck in these old debates. Julia shouldn’t be looking at
her textbook for out dated views: she should try the panel and her own views.
Teachers are more professional and better trained than in the past and our
history curriculum came about through a lengthy consultation process involving
ACARA. Of course none of the guests could discuss this because the ABC couldn’t
be bothered to get an actual expert on to discuss it. Instead, we have half-baked
ideas from people who haven’t taught in a classroom or been a student in a high
school classroom for a very long time.
If we want to have proper debates about education in
Australia then get some educational experts in to discuss the matter. No one is
saying that the history curriculum is perfect but please respect the
PROFESSIONALISM and EXPERTISE of teachers by at least giving them primacy of
opinion. While we continue to have educational debates run by rank amateurs
like on the Drum then we will get nowhere. The attitude in Australia that
teachers are not professional is only compounded by TV shows having such
debates rather than seeking teacher input. It also makes our jobs that much
harder because despite over 4 years of trainings, multiple post-graduate
qualifications and more hours in a classroom than most of the people I speak
to, almost all of them think they know as much about teaching as me.
Sorry to tell you Julia and the rest but YOU DON’T! When you
come back with a teaching degree, have taught in a classroom for more than a
few years and have worked full time in this demanding profession then feel free
to lecture me on history curriculum and teaching. Until then, please treat me
like the professional I am because I have the qualifications and experience to
back up my opinion. Unlike you, who think common sense and “back in my day”
arguments are better than research and practical experience, I know what I am
talking about.
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