Australia is now fostering fourth and fifth generation Greeks, for the first time in history. Naturally, this generation of Greek Australians are losing the ability to speak and learn the language and culture of their heritage.
“There have been countless initiatives and efforts to preserve Greek Language and Culture education in Australia, but achieving this is becoming increasingly difficult with the influence of pop culture, technology and globalisation,” said Ms Karanicolas
“Modern Greek education must evolve with current trends in teaching pedagogies and by doing so, we will access more of our Greek youth and create an engaging learning experience that aligns with students interests and is contextual to their Australian environment.”
Simone is an Adelaide-based dynamic primary and secondary school Greek teacher and a rock musician who uses YouTube, gaming technology and a movement-based approach to engage youth in second language learning.
In her current workplace at Prospect Primary School, ‘Miss Asimina’ has created an immersive and captivating Greek language program despite only seeing each class once a week. She draws upon her study and experiences as a rock performer, musician and producer in multiple Adelaide-based bands to create educational Greek songs on YouTube using famous pop song melodies.
Within the film clips, she uses popular dancing and acts multiple character roles to express Australian-Greek family dynamics. These approaches not only draw in her students, but diverse audiences globally.
From the creation of her YouTube channel one year ago, the channel has since gained 500 subscribers and over 20,000 video views accumulatively.
Through her passion for teaching, music and the Greek language and culture, Ms Karanicolas strives to bring Greek language learning to the forefront of contemporary education.
The lecture is a joint initiative with the Modern Greek Teachers’ Association of Victoria.
When: Thursday 3 October 2019 | 7:00pm Where: The Greek Centre, Mezzanine Level, 168 Lonsdale Street , Melbourne Language: English.
