Title: Equity in, and access to, what kind of education?: some issues for consideration in the Pacific Islands

Abstract: Konai Helu Thaman’s article discusses the ‘big picture’, the need for educators in all Pacific Island countries to make the teaching/learning process more aware of and sensitive to the cultural context in which it takes place. This is necessary in order to improve equity and access in education. It is, however, a challenge because of the legacy of western pedagogy which has dominated the formal education systems in the Pacific for so long, and the increasing influence of the industrialised world in so many spheres of life.

Title: The role of ethnomathematics and reflective learning in mathematics education in Papua New Guinea

Abstract: Rex Matang makes a plea – do not teach in a vacuum, do not ignore the cultural context. Mathematics educators must begin with the students’ understanding of mathematics which they learn from meaningful experiences in the cultural context of their home, rather than teach abstract concepts which have no contextual reality for them. This calls for adopting a more reflective and inter-active approach to mathematics teaching. While Matang writes about PNG, mathematics teachers everywhere in the Pacific will find this article stimulating.

Title: Mistakes and errors in students' writing

Abstract: Grammatical accuracy in English is emphasised in the exam system in Fiji schools and consequently teachers devote much class time to it. This article reports on a piece of research which investigated the extent to which students can correct their own mistakes in the context of their own writing. The results show that nearly 50% of inaccuracies can be corrected after the teacher has indicated their location by underlining. The research hypothesis used Corder’s distinction between ‘mistakes’ and ‘errors’. However, the results indicate that this distinction is not as clear-cut as expected. The author proposes a third category of inaccuracy, a ‘toss-up’ category.

Title: Primary school libraries in Fiji : a research report

Abstract: Mel Rainey’s article gives his findings from a survey of Fiji primary school libraries, and several reasons for the present state of libraries in these schools. This follows two earlier surveys of secondary school libraries (reported on by Rainey in Directions 2 1996.) The picture is not a bright one, and reflects the common attitude that many schools are narrowly exam oriented and do not consider libraries useful enough to justify the necessary expenditure. The benefits of a well-stocked library, or resource centre, do not need to be repeated here; it is hoped that the article will remind readers who are in a position to take some action of this often-neglected aspect of education.

Title: Trends in teacher education in New Zealand since 1990

Abstract: Finally to New Zealand, from where Noeline Alcorn gives an account of trends in teacher education since 1990, and their causes. The trend towards diversity of teacher education providers and provision has given rise to the pressing need to maintain and assess quality in teacher education by setting standards. Then there are ongoing challenges, such as the need for teachers who will be able to teach in increasingly culturally diverse classrooms. The article shows how teacher education in New Zealand has changed as goals have changed, and how planners need to keep pace with the new challenges that will face the profession in the next millenium. This article is sure to interest education planners in the Pacific, who must also be facing challenges.