The intent of this teacher resource is to illustrate opportunities in school curricula for engagement with the history and nature of militarism, war and conflict. Where possible specific topics, units, content and outcomes are suggested.
The intent of this teacher resource is to illustrate opportunities in school curricula for engagement with the history and nature of militarism, war and conflict. Where possible specific topics, units, content and outcomes are suggested.
The episodes could be used as an additional resource to provide perspective or context, to deepen understanding of a topic, or as a starting point for developing a unit within the scope of an existing syllabi or curriculum.
This teacher resource includes an overview of curriculum connections, further readings and a Learning Activities Outline for three of the topics within the series. Click the title for the full resource and suggested learning activities.
- Episode 4 – Always Was Always Will Be
- Episode 5 & 6 – West Papua
- Episode 7 – Child’s Play: Militarism in the Classroom
Suggestions for learning activities are informed by collaborative and inquiry based pedagogies, visible thinking frameworks and web based resources from SBS Learn and from the US Facing History and Ourselves. In addition, consideration is given to including a range of thinking and learning including higher order thinking, active learning and creative responses.
Curriculum Links Overview
- ACARA – History Yr 12, Geography Yr 11, STEM Connections, The Arts
- NESA (NSW) Aboriginal Studies Yr 11 & 12, Geography Yr 11.
- Victoria – Geography 7-10, Design and Technologies 9-10, Ethical Capability Curriculum.
- Queensland – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Studies Senior Syllabus, Modern History Yr 11.
Downloadable Education Resources
Peace-pod-Teaching-Resource-Overview .pdf
Episode-4-AlwaysWas-Episode 4 .pdf
Episode-5-West-Papua.docxEpisode 5 .pdf
Episode-7-Militarism-in-the-Classroom.docx-1Episode 7 .pdf
General CapabilitiesCRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING
Inquiring
- identify, explore and organise information and ideas
- pose questions
Generating ideas, possibilities and actions
- imagine possibilities and connect ideas
- consider alternatives
Reflecting on thinking and processes
- transfer knowledge into new contexts
ETHICAL UNDERSTANDING
Understanding ethical concepts and issues
- recognise ethical concepts
- explore ethical concepts in context.
Exploring values, rights and responsibilities
- examine values
- explore rights and responsibilities
- consider points of view.
INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING
Recognising culture and developing respect
- explore and compare cultural knowledge, beliefs and practices
- develop respect for cultural diversity.
Interacting and empathising with others
- consider and develop multiple perspectives
- empathise with others.
Australian Cross-Curriculum Priorities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
- Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia
- Sustainability.
Key Concepts
Humanities
- connection to country/place
- shared histories
- significance
- continuity and change
- interconnections
- perspectives and action
- place
STEM
- cause and effect
- alternative perspectives
- impact of change
Advice to Teachers
Accurate information is important. The issues of militarism, war and conflict are emotive, they talk of trauma and loss, care should be taken to consider student well-being. Some students may experience feelings of anger, uncertainty or powerlessness, some students may have personal experience as a front-line affected person. Therefore teachers should ensure that students are provided with appropriate support when necessary.
Use of supportive and inclusive pedagogies, where students are supported to express views and assisted to listen and respond respectfully, include such as listening and dialogue circles, individual/partner and small group work.
The aim is understanding, awareness and empowerment through hearing the stories of action and resistance.
Additional Reading:
Educators 4SC. (n.d.). Teaching About War. https://educators4sc.org/teaching-about-war/
Honest History (2023). Search Results for Frontier Wars. https://honesthistory.net.au/wp/?s=frontier+wars&submit=Go
Wage Peace. (n.d.). Peace Pod: an aural adventure in anti-militarist activism. Available from https://www.wagepeaceau.org/peacepod/
Rees, S. J., Van de Pas, R., Silove, D., & Kareth, M. (2008). Health and human security in West Papua. Medical journal of Australia, 189(11-12), 641-643. Available from: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2008/189/11/health-and-human-security-west-papua
Ware, S. (2022). Understanding the Frontier Wars Teacher Resource. SBS Learn. https://www.sbs.com.au/learn/resources/understanding-the-frontier-wars/teacher-resource/
West, E. (2022). Minors and Missiles. Medical Association for Prevention of War. https://www.mapw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Minors-Missiles-2022-FINAL-jan-31_2023.pdf
This website is auspiced by Religions for Peace Australia. Our purpose is seeking of peace and harmony among the religions, and among the nations, Oceania and South East Asia in particular. This material is offered without prejudice for the use of teachers and those seeking curriculum materials addressing peace.
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