What Works report no. 1: Building demand for Asia literacy in Australian schools
This What Works report explores how schools can build demand for studies of Asia and Asian languages. The research addresses the challenge of fluctuating demand for Asia literacy in schools, despite over 20 years of policy and effort.
1 June 2013
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About this Report
What Works 1 identifies the following enablers to build demand for studies of Asia:
- a persuasive personal encounter
- a clear course of action
- collegial influence and support.
Key findings
For Asian languages, the following motives and enablers are identified:
- the prospect of making new friends
- satisfying natural or awakened curiosity about other countries and their inhabitants
- the prospect of travel
- instrumental reasons related to life and work futures, especially for older students
- quality nature of the classroom experience, especially one that is responsive to student needs and interests
- effective motivational strategies including promoting learner autonomy, learners' goal-orientedness, and familiarising learners with the target culture.
Importantly, the research argues that studies of Asia can help build and sustain demand for Asian languages.