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Directions: Journal of Educational Studies Pacific Curriculum Network
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Language and education

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Fiji

Title: The Fiji form 7 perscription and the language needs of first year tertiary students

Author: Mugler, France, Khan, Veena
Subject:  Academic achievement|Fiji
 Language and education|Fiji
 English language|Study and teaching (Higher)|Fiji
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.45, vol.23, no.2, 2001
Collation: p. 20-49 ;

Abstract: This article is based on a study of how well students in Fiji are prepared by the Form 7 English Prescription to cope with the English language skills required in their first year at the University of the South Pacific (USP). It includes an analysis of the four major language skills in the Prescription and in the English for Academic Purposes course at USP. The views of several high school teachers and USP lecturers from different departments were also sought. Both the Form 7 and the USP students surveyed, although acknowledging certain difficulties, rate their ability in writing, reading, speaking and listening quite high. Teachers and lecturers are less positive, citing many problems they see in their students’ work. Although the Form 7 prescription does introduce students to the language skills that will help them in their first year at university, there seems to be a need to expand sections most relevant at the tertiary level. There are opportunities for teachers to create innovative strategies using material within the prescription to offer their students more challenging tasks.

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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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