Online schooling amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia: Perspectives from students from refugee background

The scope of the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its consequences, particularly on school closures have severely impacted all students around the world, most especially, immigrant and refugee students. 

This presentation will examine how refugee-background students in Australia perceive schooling during lockdowns. Relevant information is drawn from the 5-year study sponsored by Spencer Foundation of children from refugee background. Focus is given to perspectives of high school students between the ages of 13 and 17 on the challenges and opportunities of online learning. The insights drawn from the refugee-background students will inform current teaching and learning practice, particularly how refugee children can be supported to ensure engagement and positive learning outcomes.

Dr Nina Maadad is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Adelaide in the School of Education. Nina lectures a range of courses in the School of Education including Primary and Secondary Schools Interaction, Contemporary Issues in Education, Multicultural Education and Curriculum, Development and Innovation. Her research speciality is the education of refugees and migrants, and teaching speciality is the preparation of teachers for South Australia and my community activities have incorporated both of these areas. She delivers a number of courses in culture, education and society. She is currently involved in a study focusing on “Schooling and Education for Refugees". Nina coordinates and lectures a variety of courses in the School of Education which entail Primary and Secondary Schools interaction, contemporary knowledge of the curriculum and Multicultural Education.

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