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Migrants and Immigration Jigsaw

Theme: Stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination
Key Learning Area: Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE) - Technology
Age Group: Secondary Lower (13-14) - Secondary Middle (15-16) Resource Type: Handouts Stimulus Name: Migrants and Immigration

Outcomes

Students examine facts and recognise that racism, prejudice and discrimination can result from ignorance.

Introduction

There are many misconceptions about migrants and immigration. Some of the more popular relate to the impact of immigration on Australian Society. The issues examined in this activity represent some of the more common ones. Teachers should handle these issues sensitively as some of the popular myths associated with the facts may offend some students. Students may visit the HREOC and DIMA websites to further "face the facts".

Worksheets to download
Issues relating to Migrants and Immigration (rtf File)

Resources Needed
OHP transparencies, pens

Suggested Activities

• Divide class into 7 groups
• Distribute an issue to each group

Does immigration stimulate the economy?
Are many migrants living on Social Security?
How skilled are migrants?
Does immigration lead to higher unemployment?
How healthy are migrants?
Do migrants want to become Australian citizens?
Do migrants commit more crime?

• Group discusses their issue and familiarises itself with the supporting information, further researching if necessary
• Each group displays their facts on OHP
• Group presents their issue with supporting evidence to the class

Additional Strategies

• Brainstorm class for common myths based on stereotyping
• List, explore and debunk in terms of:

where the statement is heard
what is the derivation of the myth
counter arguments the class can think of or have researched

• Research on the DIMA website

Relevant websites to visit
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Copyright Acknowledgement
derived from: Face the Facts
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission

Date: 19 December 2000