Australia's Place in the Asia-Pacific Region
Examine Australia's historical and contemporary relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on cultural, political, and security ties.
Key Questions
- Analyze the historical factors that have shaped Australia's engagement with its Asia-Pacific neighbours.
- Explain the significance of key regional organisations (e.g., ASEAN, APEC) for Australia.
- Evaluate the challenges and opportunities for Australia's future relationships in the Asia-Pacific.
ACARA Content Descriptions
About This Topic
Work and the Future Economy explores how technology and social shifts are changing the way we work. This topic (AC9E9K03, AC9E9K04) investigates the impact of automation, artificial intelligence, and the 'gig economy' on the Australian workforce. Students look at which jobs are at risk and which new opportunities are being created.
Students will also explore the skills that will be most valuable in the 21st century, such as critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy. This unit encourages students to think proactively about their own career paths. This topic comes alive when students can 'interview' workers from different sectors and design their own 'future-proof' career plans.
Active Learning Ideas
Inquiry Circle: The Robot Revolution
Groups research a specific industry (e.g., farming, medicine, or retail) and find three ways that automation is changing how work is done in that sector.
Simulation Game: The Gig Economy Challenge
Students are given a 'gig' (e.g., delivery driver, graphic designer) and must manage their own time, taxes, and 'income' for a simulated week, experiencing the pros and cons of flexible work.
Think-Pair-Share: What skills do you need?
Students list the top five skills they think they will need for a job in 2040. They compare their lists in pairs and discuss how school is (or isn't) helping them learn those skills.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionRobots will take all our jobs and there will be no work left.
What to Teach Instead
While some jobs will disappear, new ones will be created that we can't even imagine yet. A 'history of work' activity helps students see how this has happened in the past (e.g., during the Industrial Revolution).
Common MisconceptionThe 'gig economy' is only for young people or students.
What to Teach Instead
A growing number of people of all ages are working in the gig economy, either by choice or necessity. Using 'worker profile' case studies helps students see this diversity.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'gig economy'?
How will AI change the future of work?
What are 'transferable skills'?
How can active learning help students understand the future economy?
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