Abstract

This study sought to establish some base data about the Asian literacy of Australian students so that justifiable actions may be proposed in regard to the development of Asian literacy in Australian education. A study of 987 students in Years Seven and Ten in Queensland schools was conducted to determine the knowledge about Asia that was held by these students in regard to: country/neighbouring country/major city awareness, Asian physical geography, location, socioeconomic aspects and current events. Results from the study revealed that the students' Asian geographical knowledge was not well developed. Only their knowledge of countries/neighbouring countries and major cities was reasonable. Year 10 students held significantly better Asian geographical knowledge than Year 7 students. Male students possessed a better knowledge of Asian physical geography than girls.