Episode 32
th
6 November 2012
Activity
Asian Century
Key Learning
Students will explore the connections (economically, socially, technologically and culturally) between
Australia and Asia.
The Australian Curriculum > Cross-curriculum priorities > Asia and Australia’s engagement with
Asia
Organising ideas
Asia-Australia engagement
Collaboration and engagement with the peoples of Asia support effective
regional and global citizenship.
Cross-curriculum priorities
Asia and Australia’s engagement
with Asia
General capabilities
Australia is part of the Asia region and our histories from ancient times to
the present are linked.
Literacy
Australians play a significant role in social, cultural, political and
economic developments in the Asia region.
Personal and social capability
Australians of Asian heritage have influenced Australia’s history and
continue to influence its dynamic culture and society.
Intercultural understanding
Critical and creative thinking
Link Cross-curriculum priorities
Focus Questions
1.
2.
Discuss the main points raised in the story with another student.
In years to come it’ll be _________ countries rather than America or Europe that the world looks to for
business, politics and culture.
3. How is life changing for people that live in Asian countries?
4. Many say we’re at the start of the...
a. Asian Year
b. Asian Power
c. Asian Century
5. What is meant by the term Asian Century?
6. What would Aussie politicians like all school kids to learn in school?
7. What are the four Asian languages that the government is focusing on?
8. What are some of the difficulties that schools may face in getting school kids to learn an Asian
language?
9. Do you think it is important for school kids to learn an Asian language at school? Explain your answer.
10. How has Asia influenced your life? As a class discuss connections between Australia and Asia.
©ABC 2012
Activity
How connected are you to Asia?
Watch the BtN Asian Century story and facilitate a group discussion. Ask students to identify and categorise
connections with Asia from everyday life (e.g. items that are created in Asia, food, ideas, practices,
technology) and recognise the range and diversity of connections with Asia. Here are some discussion
starters:
Do you eat Asian food? List some types of Asian food you like to eat.
What sorts of products are made in Asia?
How does Asian culture (music, dance, movies) influence your life?
What sorts of Asian celebrations are held in Australia? Why are they important?
What are some of the similarities and differences between Asia and Australia?
Defining Asia
Using your classroom interactive whiteboard, make an enlarged version of a map of Asia* (map available at
the end of this activity) and trace onto butcher paper. Cut the map up into three sub-regions as per the
following:
North-East Asia (including China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and Taiwan)
South-East Asia (including Indonesia, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore,
Vietnam, Laos, East Timor, the Philippines and Cambodia)
South Asia (including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives)
*The above sub-regions of Asia are defined in the Australian Curriculum, for further information please visit
their website: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/CrossCurriculumPriorities/Asia-and-Australiasengagement-with-Asia
Divide the class into three groups, and assign one region to each group. Ask each group to explore the
geography of the region (including boundaries, rivers, mountains, flora/fauna, capital cities and national
flags) and then present their findings pictorially on the map. Once complete, join the three regions together
and hang in the classroom. Refer to these pictorial maps for inspiration
http://mapcollection.wordpress.com/tag/pictorial/.
Create a profile
Ask students to create a profile on one of the four Asian countries (China, India, Indonesia or Japan)
highlighted in the Australian Government’s Asian Century White Paper. Students will need to consider the
following with an emphasis on Australia’s engagement with Asia:
Geographical and physical features
Science and technology
The people (ethnic groups)
Arts and culture (movies, dance, music, festivals)
Economy
Education
Government/politics
Food
Further investigation
What other connections can you make between this Asian country and Australia?
What would happen if we did not have these connections?
Why do you think this country was included in the White Paper?
©ABC 2012
Negotiate ways students can publish their profile (webpage, artwork, brochure, oral presentation). Students
will need to consider how they communicate their story to enhance audience engagement and
understanding.
Further Investigation
Create your own Manga style comic strip. Students will create a six panel comic with six key scenes from a
book they have read. They will need to think about the characters and events they are trying to portray in a
few key scenes. The following website has an online tool to help students create their comic
http://www.pixton.com/uk/
 Related Research Links
Lateline – PM’s plan for every child to learn an Asian language
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2012/s3621224.htm
ABC News – Government maps plan for Asian Century success
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-29/government-maps-plan-for-asian-century-success/4340188
Asia Education Foundation – Australia in the Asian Century
http://www.asiaeducation.edu.au/policy_and_research/australia_in_the_asian_century_landing_page.html
Behind the News – Asian Languages
http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s2931033.htm
Behind the News – China Connection
http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s2905940.htm
BBC News – Country Profiles
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profiles/default.stm
©ABC 2012
Activity – Map of Asia
©ABC 2012