Today is a significant day and not just because it's the last BtN of the year. It's also the anniversary of a very famous event in Australia's history called the Eureka Stockade. Sarah visited Ballarat in Victoria to find out what it was and why it's so important.
Via Laura Griffiths
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A significant incident during the Australian gold rush period was the Eureka stockade and today, it is recognised as being an event that shaped Australia’s political landscape. This BtN report covers the importance of the Eureka Stockade not only for the miners during the 1850s but its continuing effect on Australia’s democracy. Educational television programs like BtN have been recognised as effective resources teachers can utilise as they raise current problems and issues, have the ability to stimulate student curiosity and allows for discussion (Marsh, 2010, p. 247).
This BtN report would be appropriate to show to students within the classroom due to its comprehensible information and its engaging and entertaining format. It would be beneficial for teachers to use this clip as a foundation and an introductory activity on the importance of the Eureka stockade and its effect on Australia’s political landscape. Students should watch the clip twice – firstly as enjoyment and secondly to record information relevant for follow up discussion and activities. A scaffold should be provided for students while watching the video so they know what they should be listening to. After watching the clip twice, teachers should instigate a discussion identifying what students learnt from the video and what they have written in the scaffold. The BtN website provides questions that teachers can draw upon to discuss the Eureka Stockade Report. However, teachers should also provide discussion points and questions to link the Eureka stockade and its effect on shaping Australia as a democracy and Australia’s identity. It is important that teachers have a discussion after viewing this news report because it allows teachers to identify if students understood the information presented, assess if students were listening as well as receive an indication if further clarification is needed on particular aspects. If students do require more explanation, the website provides other links teachers and students can access for more information. Linked websites include the Museum of Australian Democracy Eureka website, Australian Government website on the Eureka Stockade and the State Library of Victoria website.
Reference:
Marsh, C. (2010). Becoming a teacher: Knowledge, skills and issues. Frenchs Forrest: Pearsons.