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Research and Inquiry Methods: Major Project
Overview
The Major Project
The Major Project is a component of the HSC course and is worth 40% of the school-based HSC assessment.
Project topics
Protocols to be considered
Issues of copyright
Project proposalOUTCOMES
H4.1 investigates, analyses and synthesises information from Aboriginal and other perspectives
H4.2 undertakes community consultation and fieldwork
H4.3 communicates information effectively from Aboriginal perspectives, using a varity of media
H4.4 applies ethical research practices
Project topics
Students should determine project topics after they have consulted with their teacher, the Aboriginal Education Assistant and members of the Aboriginal community as appropriate.
The project topic can be based within the local Aboriginal community(ies) or it may focus on an area of interest beyond the local community(ies). Projects may have a contemporary or historical focus with a personal or an objective point of view. The subject of the project can be individuals, communities, families or organisations. Below are some suggestions for project topics; this list is not prescriptive:
Oral histories, e.g. war service in WWI, WWII, Korea or VietnamIt is important for students to identify and concentrate on a focus for their project. For example, the topic "Aboriginal Art" is immense and it would be best to focus on particular styles of Aboriginal art, a particular artist or region or possibly the contribution of Aboriginal art to society.Oral histories, e.g. local identities involved in sporting or community organisations
Local sites of significance
Local history
Bush medicines of the local area
Bush foods of the local area
ATSIC and its operations
Local language and culture
Family trees or histories
Landscaping projects
Local stories perhaps presented as an illustrated book for use in local schools (or a big book for primary schools)
Presenting a self-guided tour for the school's collection of artefacts, with lesson plans, activity sheets, etc, for use by primary studentsAboriginal artists: biographies of local or prominent personalities
Aboriginal writers: biographies of local or prominent personalities
Stolen Generations: Aboriginal children in institutions
History of local organisations, e.g. health service, preschools, legal service, Lands Council, welfare organisations
The AECG and its operations
The Aboriginal Education Council
The Aboriginal Progress Association
The Aborigines Protection Board
Racism in Australia: history, current manifestations, discrimination, legislation, comparisons with other groups
Mandatory sentencing
Mission or reserve life in the local area
Impact of Christianity
Aboriginal Education in the local area
Aboriginal people and sport
Contemporary music
Local Aboriginal enterprise
The Dreaming
Dreaming stories in the local area
Human rights issues in Australia
Land Rights and Native Title
Students choose the medium of presentation for their project from a variety of methods that may include:
performances in dance, music, song or dramawriting a play or poetry
visual arts
a teaching and learning kit
a photographic essay
a video presentation
a multimedia presentation
written reports
construction of a website
any other medium negotiated with the teacher.
Protocols to be considered
In addition to advice outlined in this section teachers will need to refer to advice given in the Preliminary Support Materials outlining protocols for community consultation.
Before students undertake their Major Project it will be important for teachers to reiterate the sensitivities surrounding particular experiences and events for Aboriginal peoples and to discuss with students appropriate ways to respond in an interview situation.
It would be advisable for the student to:
give an opportunity to the person being interviewed to express how they are feelingacknowledge these feelings and to ask the person being interviewed if they want to continue
be guided by this choice.
Student feelings need to be taken into account. Emotionally they may have difficulty coping with what is being told to them in an interview, and may need follow-up support. A student may need to adjust or change the focus of their project in light of this.
Issues of copyright
In the final presentation of their project, students must acknowledge the source of all quotations, photographs, illustrations, text and newspaper articles.
A sample Participation Agreement between student and community members is included.The aim of this agreement is to acknowledge the rights of the participant and the responsibilities of the student.
Project proposal
A way of ensuring that all students have given serious thought to their Major project is to ask them to complete a Project Proposal. This requires students to outline the focus of their project, its scope, the community consultation that will take place, and how they will overcome difficulties in finding information.
The Project Proposal will allow teachers to ensure that students are setting realistic goals, and have considered community consultation as an integral part of their work.
By asking students to identify any significant economic costs teachers can guide students in their budgeting needs. It is worthwhile for students to consider paying individuals who contribute a significant amount to their Project, for example if their life story or family history is the focus of the Project. Payment is best negotiated and might take different forms dependent upon individuals. For example, participants may prefer a gift, a morning tea, or written acknowledgment.
An example of a Project Proposal outline is included.
All material on this page reproduced with the kind permission of the Board of Studies NSW
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