The aim of this book is to examine the current state, nature, role and purposes of languages in Australian education as a basis for considering a viable, encompassing language education policy. The book is divided into four specific focus areas for discussion, each of which is based on a core theme in Australian languages education: engaging with diversity; the current state of policy and participation in languages education and languages teacher education; current orientations to languages education, and future possibilities and directions in languages education. Underlying the discussion is the recognition that at this particular juncture in languages education policy in Australia it is necessary to re-examine constructs, research, evidence and practice as the basis for renewal. The book presents a collection of papers dealing with each of the themes and aims to give greater focus to the contemporary debates around languages in education in Australia and more generally.
Angela Scarino is Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics and the Director of the Research Centre for Languages and Cultures at the University of South Australia. She has had extensive experience in the conceptualisation, design, implementation and evaluation of curriculum and assessment for languages learning across all levels of education. Her research and publications focus on curriculum theory and design, assessment and teacher education.