Directions

Directions: Journal of Educational Studies Pacific Curriculum Network
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Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.30, vol.16, no.1, 1994

Title: Cultural democracy for whom? : a view from the Pacific Islands

Author: Thaman, Konaiholeva Helu
Subject:  Multicultural education|Oceania
 Educational anthropology|Oceania
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.30, vol.16, no.1, 1994
Collation: p. 3-19 ;

Abstract: Cultural democracy is a philosophical precept which recognises that the way a person communicates, relates to others, seeks support and recognition from his/her environment (incentive motivation), thinks and learns (cognition) is a product of the value system of his/her community. Furthermore, an educational environment or policy that does not recognise the individual’s right to remain identified with the culture and language of his/her group is said to be culturally undemocratic (Ramirez and Castaneda, 1974: 23). In the author’s view, cultural democracy, for most Pacific island societies, has to do with the right and the opportunity to study and learn important elements of their own cultures in schools and universities, an opportunity denied them since schools first began in the early part of the last century, because most schools were set up to transmit a foreign culture in a foreign language. She therefore wishes to make a case not only for understanding Pacific cultures, but also for including important aspects of them in the curriculum of formal education, including university, as a first step towards intercultural education and a true cultural democracy for all.

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Title: New Zealand reading programmes in an international context : reflection on the IEA reading-literacy survey

Author: Elley, Warwick B.
Subject:  Reading|Research|New Zealand
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.30, vol.16, no.1, 1994
Collation: p. 20-30 ;

Abstract: The author provides a contribution on the importance of books in developing literacy in his review of the major International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement’s – instigated Reading – Literacy Survey of the early 1990s in New Zealand. He focuses on the IEA findings and how they bear on the whole language reading approach in New Zealand. He identifies areas of strength and weakness, and develops some ideas on where to put the emphasis in future. When put alongside the growing body of data about the effectiveness of shared reading, story reading, and SSR – he finds no good reason to change direction. Most of the findings confirm New Zealand teachers’ beliefs in whole language principles.

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Title: Education for small business : an option for South Pacific schools

Author: Mudogo, Ernest N. N., Jones, Adele M.E.
Subject:  Business education|Oceania
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.30, vol.16, no.1, 1994
Collation: p. 31-40 ;

Abstract: The authors look at the issue of unemployment facing Pacific youth today. They note that the previous approaches to resolving short-term unemployment problems are no longer reliable. Even regional migration is less of a viable option. They then provide useful insights into how to better teach business in Pacific schools. Among their recommendations is one which reflects the ongoing concern for culturally appropriate educational strategies.

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Title: Exploring yalomatua : Fijian education and the missing link

Author: Nabobo-Baba, Unaisi
Subject:  Education|Social aspects|Fiji
 Educational anthropology|Fiji
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.30, vol.16, no.1, 1994
Collation: p. 41-54 ;

Abstract: The author explores the Fijian concept of yalomatua. It is hoped that her article will inspire other Pacific Island academics to submit similar articles which will contribute to the much needed knowledge of what indigenous concepts and/or values could be drawn on to improve educational quality in our region. =504 00

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Title: Women's education : Pacific overview, 1994

Author: Fairbairn-Dunlop, Peggy
Subject:  Women|Education|Oceania
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.30, vol.16, no.1, 1994
Collation: p. 55-68 ;

Abstract: The author provides valuable data and information on Pacific women’s educational opportunities, and convincingly argues for greater access to all levels of education, but particularly to higher education.

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Title: Professionalism and bureaucracy : can they develop together?

Author: Velayutham, Thillainayakam
Subject:  Bureaucracy
 School management and organization
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.30, vol.16, no.1, 1994
Collation: p. 69-83 ;

Abstract: Dr Velayutham explores ways in which educational administration can be improved, by enhancing interaction between the administrators and the practitioners they serve.

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Title: Language community attitudes and their implications for the maintenance and promotion of the Tongan language

Author: Taufe'ulungaki, 'Ana Maui
Subject:  Language and education|Tonga
 Education, Bilingual|Tonga
 Native language and education|Tonga
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.30, vol.16, no.1, 1994
Collation: p. 84-108 ;

Abstract: This article is a valuable summary of Dr Taufe’ulungaki’s doctoral thesis research. It is a crucial discussion, not only for language planners throughout the Pacific region, but also for anyone concerned with bilingual issues generally. The article is somewhat rare for Directions, as it reports and reflects on research carried out by a Pacific Island researcher. We firmly believe that the more such research and commentaries we have, the more we can fully tap the store of traditional knowledge, a process which will surely enhance cultural democracy in education, as sought by Konai Helu Thaman.

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