Asia and Australia's Engagement with Asia

      The Cross-Curriculum priorities relating to Asia, and Australia's engagement with Asia is in part, described by ACARA as students learning and recognising diversity between the areas of the Asian region. "They will develop knowledge and understanding of Asian societies, cultures, beliefs and environments, and the connections between the peoples of Asia, Australia and the rest of the world" ("Cross-Curriculum Priorities| ACARA", n.d.). Click on the link for further information : ACARA
      As geographical neighbours to Asia, a student may ask the question: What is happening in Asia at the same time as we are in Australia? The same time zones encourage economic trade and growth as businesses can be in contact within the same time zone.

Fig 1 (Australia Time Zone Globe", n.d.)

      Click on the following link for an extensive Australian Government document that discusses the Asia and Australian relationship, and looks at the positive impact for Australian and Asian students: National Statement for Engaging Young Australians with Asia in Australian Schools.

      As a teacher it's important to educate students on the relationship with Asia, and the benefits it brings to society here in Australia. An example of an economic partner is China: on the following link: China- Australia relations have been grown robustly. This article not only discusses economic growth, but also talks of a relational growth between the two countries.

      As well as knowing where Asia is geographically, students benefit from understanding other cultures, belief systems and societies ("National Statement for Engaging Australians with Asia in Australian Schools", (n.d.) p.8). Respect for the beliefs and cultures of others creates positive relationships.

      The Holy Bible in Matthew 19:19 states to "love your neighbour as yourself" (New Living Translation, 2004). The opportunity to put this into action with Australia's Asian neighbours shows a love for God, and an obediance to His word.

                               
                                                                       UNITY
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                           

                                         
                                                             Fig 2 asiancorrespondent.com

"Good neighbours learn to speak each other's languages...Good neighbours learn to respect each other's religious and cultural beliefs. Good neighbours allow for differences and to be inclusive. Good neighbours spend time with each other. Good neighbours understand that contentious issues should be resolved through negotiation." ("National Statement for engaging Australians with Asia in Australian schools" n.d., spoken by Peter Cosgrove).

References:

Cross-Curriculum Priorities| ACARA. (n.d.). Retrieved from 

       http://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/cross_curriculum_priorities.html

National Statement for Engaging Australians with Asia in Australian Schools. (n.d.) Retrieved from

       www.mceecdya.edu.au/verve/_resources/Asia_australia_Statement_.pdf

Tyndale House Publishers (2004). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House 

       Publishers.

China- Australia relations have been grown robustly. (n.d.) Retrieved from

       www.afr.com/p/china_australia_relations_have_grown_Qp3X6LL3MTNzByP8AFZg30

Images:

Australia Time Zone Globe. (n.d.). Retrieved from

       http:/www.timetemperature.com/globes/australia-time-zone-globe.shmtl

What is it like to study in Australia?| Asia-News-Politics, Media, Education| Asia Correspondent. (n.d.). Retrieved from

       http://asiancorrespondent.com/84660/what-is-it-like-to-study-in-Australia