Research Supervisor Connect
This project aims to develop and evaluate a new set of RESPECT e-modules, underpinned by leading anti-racism approaches integrated into a single guiding framework for the first time. The RESPECT e-modules will generate knowledge about the best-practice content needed to successfully expand school students’ inclusive thinking and racism reduction in both the short- and long-term. Expected outcomes of this project include the development of stand-alone RESPECT e-resources that can be used to support teachers' delivery of a national anti-racism curriculum that is novel, engaging, and educational. Targeting the thoughts and actions of young people will have significant national benefits by creating a more culturally inclusive future for all.
Australia is at a cultural turning point, as evidenced by the rejection of the 2023 Voice to Parliament Referendum and the racial vitriol it engendered. In fact, racism and its negative mental health outcomes, costs the Australian economy approximately $38 billion annually. There is a renewed sense of urgency to foster greater intercultural respect amongst our future decision-makers by equipping them with the right set of educational tools. This project aims to develop and evaluate seven RESPECT Against Racism e-resources to reduce school students' racism.
Primary school children provide an excellent starting point, as research shows that racism emerges in children at an early age and continues throughout their lives. These e-resources will generate new knowledge integrating best-practice principles needed to successfully expand students’ inclusive thinking and reduce racism. These research aims can be achieved through our partnership with a leading education not-for-profit organisation that creates high quality, curriculum aligned lesson plans to help students understand complex topics such as racism.
The RESPECT e-resources will be freely available to support teachers' delivery of a national anti-racism curriculum that is novel, engaging, and educational. With access to Cool.org’s national school database, targeting the thoughts and actions of young people, we have the opportunity to future-proof Australia's agenda of respect, a significant national benefit.
The research will primarily be based at the University of Sydney with regular research trips to other sites including Western Sydney University and Cool.org locations in Melbourne.
Familiarity with the Australian School curriculum would be advantageous.
Project keywords: Racism Reduction, Inclusive thinking, Children's racism, Curriculum resources
Scholarship name or link to details on Scholarships Office website: Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Social Psychology.
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3652