Directions

Directions: Journal of Educational Studies Pacific Curriculum Network
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Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.41, vol.21, no.2, 1999

Title: Using a constructivist approach to enhance conceptual understanding of science : the pre-service training of Fiji primary school teachers

Author: Taylor, Neil
Subject:  Science teachers|Training of|Fiji
 Science|Study and teaching (Secondary)|Fiji
 Science|Study and teaching (Elementary)|Fiji
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.41, vol.21, no.2, 1999
Collation: p. 3-23 :

Abstract: Science teaching in Fiji is often very formalistic and didactic. This is in part due to an extremely competitive examination system, but work by Muralidhar (1989) has also indicated that at the primary and lower secondary level, teachers’ content knowledge of physical science is often lacking. This in turn impacts on the teachers’ confidence, and often results in a teacher-centred approach in which there is little deviation from the set text. This paper outlines an innovative science programme which was developed and trialled with Fiji preservice primary teachers in an attempt to improve their content knowledge of physical science. It also reports some of the student teachers’ views on the various teaching strategies employed during the programme.

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Title: Re-placing Oceania roots in our teacher education programmes : a critical appraisal of the roles of indigenous educational ideas

Author: Teaero, Teweiariki
Subject:  Pacific Islanders|Education
 Teachers|Training of|Oceania
 Educational anthropology|Oceania
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.41, vol.21, no.2, 1999
Collation: p. 24-45 ;

Abstract: The majority of our teacher education programmes in Oceania are based largely on western models. However, teachers who graduate from these training institutions inevitably find themselves teaching in situations where indigenous forms and notions of education exist. Moreover, these teachers were products of primary and secondary education systems that disregarded indigenous forms of education, thereby compounding the problem. Focussing on indigenous thought processes rather than bodies of knowledge, this paper discusses the constraints and the prospects pertaining to the study of indigenous education in Oceania. It is argued that teacher education programmes must include systematic studies of indigenous philosophies and processes of education. A thorough grounding in this and exogenous philosophies of education would provide a stronger and more realistic foundation for teachers to practise their profession more effectively in the future in complementary ways that are firmly grounded in local realities.

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Title: Making a difference for Pacific people in Aotearoa - New Zealand : links between policy advice and delivery of services

Author: Karepa, Annette Lole
Subject:  Pacific Islanders|Education|New Zealand
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.41, vol.21, no.2, 1999
Collation: p. 46-58 ;

Abstract: In order to address the links and dovetailing between the policy makers and those who work at the operational level, it is necessary to contextualise the role of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs (MPIA) – where it has come from, where it is now, and where it is possibly heading in the future. Within this context, the author discusses one specific priority stream that the Ministry has identified – that is, the education sector, where the main focus of her work as a senior policy advisor is. This discussion paper does not profess to have all the answers, and neither does the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs. However, it does bring a fresh approach to addressing some long term disparities and gaps between Pacific and non-Pacific people that continue to undermine Pacific peoples’ well-being in Aotearoa and have not been successfully addressed through mainstream government agencies or ministries.

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Title: The language factor in mathematics education

Author: Bakalevu, Salanieta Leiloma
Subject:  Mathematics|Study and teaching|Fiji
 Language and education|Fiji
 Interdisciplinary approach in education|Fiji
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.41, vol.21, no.2, 1999
Collation: p. 59-68 ;

Abstract: Language is an important factor in the learning and teaching of mathematics. While for most students a mathematics lesson is generally a language lesson within the mathematics part, the sequence seems more complicated for second-language learners. For many Pacific Islanders, learning in English and Mathematical English creates serous cognitive difficulties. Using appropriate language(s) in context must be a consideration.

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Title: Education with production : the world of work and small enterprise development for formal and nonformal education

Author: Jones, Adele M.E.
Subject:  Business education|Indonesia
 Business and education|Indonesia
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.41, vol.21, no.2, 1999
Collation: p. 69-82 ;

Abstract: This article introduces production units and small enterprise development in Indonesian vocational-technical schools and training institutions. It sets these developments against a background of a country which has experienced a massive economic downturn, a social environment characterised by redundancy in the formal labour sector and growing unemployment amongst secondary vocational-school leavers, and a political situation which remains fragile, at best. Selected small enterprises which are being developed by a vocational training centre and senior vocational secondary schools in the midst of this turmoil are described in the second part of this paper. The development of these enterprises raises questions for countries in similar situations and provides a model which could be adapted for other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Title: Knowledge, schooling and post-school opportunities : an exploration of i-Kiribati parents' perceptions of secondary

Author: Burnett, Greg
Subject:  Pacific Islanders|Education
 Education|Kiribati
 Education, Secondary|Evaluation|Kiribati
 Educational anthropology|Kiribati
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.41, vol.21, no.2, 1999
Collation: p. 83-99 ;

Abstract: This article reports on a study of the range of aspirations for knowledge, schooling and postschool opportunities held by I-Kiribati parents for their secondary school aged children. In particular, the study explores which aspects of knowledge, both I-Kiribati and western, parents perceive as most important for their children to possess. It also examines the role of the secondary school and the body of knowledge that parents perceive the school should be responsible for transmitting to their children. Furthermore, the study seeks to establish parents’ post-school aspirations and expectations as far as employment and life chances for their children are concerned.

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Title: Understanding Fijian under-achievement : an integrated perspective

Author: Puamau, Priscilla Qolisaya
Subject:  Education|Cross-cultural studies|Fiji
 Academic achievement|Fiji
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.41, vol.21, no.2, 1999
Collation: p. 100-112 ;

Abstract: [ Abstract not available ]

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