This description is derived from notes taken during class and my memories of the session.
On the 27th August the tables are arranged differently than the weeks before. They have been moved from a big U shape to group tables offering space for six students each. I sit down at one of the tables at the back. There is already a list of questions on the board. The tutor (L2) welcomes us to class and tells us to listen closely to today’s presentations, especially if we didn’t read the core reading for this week.
As many people are having a cold or flu at the moment, L2 gives us recommendations on how to protect ourselves against it and how to get well quickly. She mentions eucalyptus leaves, and something else which needs to be put on the soles of the feed. This is something she learned from her grandmother, L2 says.
The topic of today’s tutorial and presentation is the Convincing Ground massacre. After every presentation, L2 picks up a few aspects to explain them in more detail or to make us to think about them. In the end she admits that she does not have enough knowledge to say what really happened in the past. However, she also highlights that the massacres took place not long ago. It is history but it is still very close.
As we answer the questions on the board in groups, L2 shows us an Aboriginal newspaper lying on the desk at the front and explains a bit about it. She then assigns a question to every table which we are supposed to answer in relation to next week’s text. While doing so, she tells us “I always start at the left, on the market as well”. She then asks us whether we want a break.
After the break we watch a documentary about Myall Creek. While we are watching, L2 writes additional information on the board and explains that she is related to someone in the film. Afterwards she asks whether it is still true that pupils in primary and high school only learn about British history and bushrangers. The Australian students of the class agree.
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