The Important Role of Family Discussions in Fostering Engaged Citizens- An ANZAC Day lesson

• Families play an important role in developing students into engaged, critically thinking citizens through discussions that build on classroom lessons.
• The Victorian Curriculum emphasises analysing sources, considering multiple perspectives, and forming substantiated interpretations over rote learning.
• Anzac Day serves as an ideal catalyst for families to have interdisciplinary conversations spanning history, ethics, and persuasive communication.
• Respectful dialogue around complex issues nurtures invaluable skills for navigating an increasingly complex world.

As Anzac Day approaches each year, it provides a powerful reminder of the formative influence families can have in shaping young Australians into engaged, critically thinking citizens. While the education system lays an important foundation by exploring the nation's history through events like Gallipoli, substantive dialogue within the home environment is equally vital for students to develop nuanced perspectives and invaluable analytical abilities.

The Australian Curriculum emphasises skills that go beyond mere memorisation of historical facts about World War I and the Anzac legacy. Its rationale highlights the importance of students learning to "ask relevant questions; critically analyse and interpret sources; consider contexts; respect and explain different perspectives; develop and substantiate interpretations, and communicate effectively." However, experts agree that for students to truly internalise these competencies, thoughtful discussions must take place within the family setting.

Dr. Debra Bateman, a curriculum advisor and former teacher, stresses that "School is just one piece of the learning puzzle. By engaging their children in open discussions about history and current events, parents nurture vital cognitive skills like evaluating evidence, considering multiple viewpoints, and formulating logical arguments." (Bateman, Sage Journals, 2021) The context of Anzac Day provides rich opportunities for such enriching discourse within households.

Families can build upon the curriculum by examining how various media outlets portray Anzac Day commemorations and analysing the underlying motivations and perspectives behind the narratives presented. Additionally, the ethical complexities surrounding wartime can spark invaluable interdisciplinary conversations that bridge subjects like Religious Education and English.

In Religious Education classes at Damascus College, scripture passages are used to form parallels like Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:9), which states: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Discussing how such principles relate to military conflicts encourages moral reasoning and empathy. English courses, meanwhile, provide opportunities to deconstruct famous rhetorical works like the Anzac war correspondent accounts or Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's 1934 words honouring the Anzacs: "There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets...After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well." Examining the persuasive techniques authors utilise allows families to explore how language shapes perspectives on consequential issues.

Moreover, drawing parallels between past and current conflicts can deepen students' geopolitical awareness. The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East provides a relevant case study for families to analyse through the Anzac lens. They might explore how World War I's dissolution of the Ottoman Empire helped catalyse today's power struggles in the region. Or they could compare the motivations and human toll of Australia's deployment to Afghanistan and other areas with those of the Gallipoli campaign. Discussing ethically ambiguous elements like civilian casualties allows youth to wrestle with the moral complexities of warfare.

Fundamentally, the interdisciplinary nature of Anzac Day highlights why conversations must extend beyond the classroom and into homes across the nation. As scholars Alison Bedford and Naomi Barnes affirm, "The skills taught in history that investigate how events are globally linked, are preparing students to have dispositions useful for cybersecurity, including tracking and analysing big data." (Bedford & Barnes, The Conversation, 2019) In our rapidly evolving digital landscape, nurturing discernment regarding information sources is pivotal.

On this Anzac Day, as we honour the sacrifices of service members past and present, it is a pivotal moment for Australian families to engage in substantive dialogue. By broaching complex historical and ethical topics with open minds, we prepare the next generation to uphold democracy's sacred tenets of reason, justice and truth. The future of our nation depends on amalgamating school and family lessons into multi-faceted, critical understanding.

Sources:

Bateman, D. (2021). "Engaged Learning and Democracy." Sage Journals.

Bedford, A. & Barnes, N. (2019). "The truth: what our students really learn about Anzac Day." The Conversation.