Title:
THE PATH OF EMPATHY: STUDENTS IMAGINING THE IMPACT OF RACISMAND RE-THINKING THEIR RACE-RELATED PERSPECTIVES

Authors:
Dr Adam Heaton , Australia

Abstract:
There are many groups of people that experience racial and other forms of prejudice and discrimination. In Australia, racism toward Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, among other groups, remains prevalent. From the position that schools have the potential, and arguably the role, of interrupting prejudices young people may hold, this paper focuses on the perspectives of 12-14 year old Australian Grade Eight students toward Aboriginal Australians. However, in Australia, in the National Curriculum there is next to no mention of racial or other forms of prejudice, or teaching against it. However, there is mention of teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, and of developing the general capability of intercultural understandings, which includes empathy. A program of learning was co-designed with Aboriginal educators with the aim of countering stereotypes about Aboriginal peoples prevalent in Australia by showcasing to students positive images and messages about them, their cultures and their resilience and achievements amidst experiences of racism. Throughout their empathetic engagement in the program of learning, students started to reconsider what they had previously believed, and to develop more positive. thoughts and feelings toward Aboriginal peoples.