Refugee Students in the Classroom How can we as future educators ensure that all students get the best education they can? Jessica Xuereb, Lauren Thomas, Doroteja T, Ashley Shakouri

What is a refugee? Refugees are: ‘people who are outside their county of nationality or their usual country of residence and are unable or unwilling to return or to seek the protection of that country due to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion’. (UNHCR Regional Office)

Tolerance & Understanding TEACHING VALUES Tolerance & Understanding Respect Responsibility Social Justice Excellence Care Inclusion & Trust Honesty Freedom Being Ethical Amnesty International Australia. (2010).

Obstacles Traumatic experiences Language Barriers Parent Resistance Identity Discrimination Socioeconomic Conditions Cultural Shock

How can this be identified in the classroom? Explosive Anger Difficulties Concentrating Problems with Authority Withdrawal Rule Testing Age Inappropriate Behaviour These obstacles and behaviours could have an adverse affect on the quality of learning that the student receives. (Strekalova, E & Hoot, J.L. 2008)

Managing the Classroom Seating Arrangement Front of Class Mixed-ability grouping Organisations Gather information Access a translator Literacy Clear, simple instruction Extra homework Support Programs

Building Relationships APPRECIATEDIVERSITY Socialisation Building Relationships Inform Educate Acknowledge Awareness Assist

References Ajdukovic, M. (1998). Displaced Adolescents in Croatia: Sources of Stress and Posttraumatic Stress Reaction. Adolescence, 33(129), 209-217. Amnesty International Australia. (2010). Retrieved March 27, 2011, from Amnesty International: http://www.amnesty.org.au/ Bash, L. (2005). Identity, Boundary and Schooling: Perspectives on the Experiences and Perceptions of Refugee Children. Intercultural Education, 16(4), 351-366. Buehl, D. (2009). Classroom Strategies for Interactive Learning (3rd Edition ed.). Chicago: International Reading Association. Dennis, J. 2002. A Case for Change. How Refugee Children in England are Missing Out. London: The Children’s Society, Refugee Council and Save the Children. Latest News From Refugee Council of Australia. (2011). Retrieved March 28, 2011, from Refugee Council of Australia: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/index.html Marriott, K. 2001. Living in limbo: Young separated refugees in the West Midlands. West Midlands: Save the Children. McBrien, J. L. (2005). Educational Needs and Barriers For Refugee Students in the United States: A review of the literature. Review of Educational Research , 75 (3), 329-364. Rutter, J. 2003. Working with refugee children. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Stanley, K. 2001. Cold comfort. Young separated refugees in England. London: Save the Children. Strekalova, E & Hoot, J.L. (2008) What Is Special about Special Needs of Refugee Children? Guidelines for Teachers. Multicultural Education, 16(1), 21-24 UNHCR Regional Office - Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific. (2011). About Refugees. (Bewebbed Pty Ltd) Retrieved March 27, 2011, from The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: http://unhcr.org.au/unhcr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=179:about-refugees&catid=25:about-us&Itemid=54