1. 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

2. 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)

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

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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. Building Relationships
APPRECIATEDIVERSITY
Socialisation
Building Relationships
Inform
Educate
Acknowledge
Awareness
Assist

9. References
Ajdukovic, M. (1998). Displaced Adolescents in Croatia: Sources of Stress and Posttraumatic Stress Reaction. Adolescence, 33(129),
Amnesty International Australia. (2010). Retrieved March 27, 2011, from Amnesty International:
Bash, L. (2005). Identity, Boundary and Schooling: Perspectives on the Experiences and Perceptions of Refugee Children. Intercultural Education, 16(4),
Buehl, D. (2009). Classroom Strategies for Interactive Learning (3rd Edition ed.). Chicago: International Reading Association.
Dennis, J 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:
Marriott, K 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),
Rutter, J Working with refugee children. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Stanley, K 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: