The Changing World of Work

Active learning helps students grasp the relevance of Indigenous businesses by letting them explore real examples and discuss cultural influences firsthand. Moving beyond abstract facts, students see how business practices connect to community and Country through collaborative tasks.

• Year 8
• HASS
• 3 activities
• 25 min–45 min

Learning Objectives

1. Analyze the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on job displacement and creation in Australia.
2. Explain the core characteristics and economic implications of the gig economy for Australian workers and businesses.
3. Compare the skill requirements for traditional employment versus emerging roles in the future Australian workforce.
4. Predict the most valuable transferable skills for navigating future changes in the Australian job market.

Inquiry Circle

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Indigenous Business Showcase

Groups research a successful Indigenous business (e.g., Indigiearth, Supply Nation, or a local tourism operator). They must present how the business uses cultural knowledge to create a unique product or service.

Prepare & details

Analyze how technology is changing the nature of work in the 21st century.

Facilitation Tip: In the Indigenous Business Showcase, assign small groups to research and present one business from a non-traditional sector like engineering or IT to challenge narrow stereotypes.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to source materials

Materials: Source material collection, Inquiry cycle worksheet, Question generation protocol, Findings presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Think-Pair-Share

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Culture in the Boardroom

Students discuss how an Indigenous business might make decisions differently (e.g., focusing on long-term sustainability for the community rather than just short-term profit). They share their ideas with the class.

Prepare & details

Explain the characteristics and implications of the 'gig economy'.

Facilitation Tip: During Culture in the Boardroom, provide sentence starters on the board to guide students who need structure in their think-pair-share responses.

Setup: Standard classroom seating; students turn to a neighbor

Materials: Discussion prompt (projected or printed), Optional: recording sheet for pairs

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Gallery Walk

⏱ 35 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk: The Indigenous Estate

Stations feature maps and stories of how Indigenous-owned land is being used for sustainable businesses like bushfood farming or renewable energy. Students analyze the economic potential of the Indigenous estate.

Prepare & details

Predict the skills that will be most valuable in the future Australian workforce.

Facilitation Tip: For the Gallery Walk of The Indigenous Estate, place primary sources like land-use maps at eye level and ask students to annotate them directly to foster close reading.

Setup: Wall space or tables arranged around room perimeter

Materials: Large paper/poster boards, Markers, Sticky notes for feedback

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Teaching This Topic

Teach this topic by modeling respectful engagement with Indigenous perspectives and framing culture as a business asset, not a barrier. Avoid oversimplifying by focusing on contemporary examples rather than historical case studies alone. Research shows that when students analyze real businesses, they better understand the diversity of Indigenous entrepreneurship and the practical integration of cultural values.

What to Expect

Students will articulate how Indigenous businesses balance economic goals with cultural values, and explain the role of the Indigenous estate in Australia’s economy. They will support their ideas with evidence from the showcase, discussions, and gallery walk materials.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During the Indigenous Business Showcase, watch for students assuming Indigenous businesses are limited to arts and crafts.

What to Teach Instead

Use the showcase’s diverse business examples to redirect students: ask each group to highlight one non-traditional sector in their presentation and explain how the business incorporates cultural values into its operations.

Common Misconception

During Culture in the Boardroom, watch for students separating business decisions from cultural values.

What to Teach Instead

After the think-pair-share, collect student responses and group similar ideas on the board to show how many businesses integrate culture into strategy, such as prioritizing community hiring or sustainable land use.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

After the Indigenous Business Showcase, ask students to reflect on one business that surprised them and explain how it challenged their assumptions about Indigenous entrepreneurship. Listen for evidence of expanded understanding beyond traditional sectors.

Quick Check

During the Gallery Walk of The Indigenous Estate, ask students to write down one way the Indigenous estate contributes to the national economy and one cultural value that supports that contribution. Collect responses to check for accuracy and depth of understanding.

Exit Ticket

After Culture in the Boardroom, have students write a short paragraph explaining whether they think cultural values help or hinder business success, using examples from the discussion. Their responses will reveal their ability to connect culture and commerce.

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge early finishers to create a 60-second pitch for a new Indigenous business that aligns with a specific cultural value.
• Scaffolding for struggling students by providing a graphic organizer to map one cultural value to one business practice during the showcase.
• Deeper exploration by inviting a local Indigenous entrepreneur to share their journey and answer student questions about balancing culture and commerce.

Key Vocabulary

Gig Economy	A labor market characterized by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work, as opposed to permanent jobs. This often involves workers being independent contractors.
Automation	The use of technology, such as robots or software, to perform tasks previously done by humans. This can increase efficiency but also lead to job changes.
Future Skills	Abilities and competencies that are expected to be in high demand in the workforce due to technological advancements and evolving industry needs. Examples include digital literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability.
Platform Economy	A business model where digital platforms connect buyers and sellers of goods or services, facilitating transactions. Many gig economy jobs are found through these platforms.