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Directions: Journal of Educational Studies Pacific Curriculum Network
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Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.29, vol.15, no.2, 1993

Title: On the relationship between research and writing

Author: Munro, Doug
Subject:  Research
 Report writing
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.29, vol.15, no.2, 1993
Collation: p. 3-16 ;

Abstract: Doug Munro looks critically at research and the relationship between research and writing, stressing that research and writing require different skills. He discusses how research and writing skills may be utilised to help produce a finished manuscript.

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Title: An assessment of secondary education in small island state : implications for agricultural education

Author: Fuata'i, Lafita'i Iupati
Subject:  Education, Secondary|Samoa
 Agricultural education|Samoa
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.29, vol.15, no.2, 1993
Collation: p. 17-27 ;

Abstract: The author presents an indepth assessment of the present system of secondary education in Western Samoa and the possible implications of the system for agricultural education. He points out that the present system of secondary education still emphasises academic and white-collar job-oriented subjects. Educational policy makers should be asking themselves how the stigma associated with agricultural labour can be alleviated so that it becomes socially and educationally acceptable in the eyes of local communities. In answering this question, it is important for policy makers to take a holistic view of agricultural education and try to incorporate all aspects that can contribute to its development as part of the junior secondary curriculum.

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Title: Is there an easy solution to Bilingual education in the Pacific?

Author: Lotherington-Woloszyn, Heather
Subject:  Education, Bilingual|Oceania
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.29, vol.15, no.2, 1993
Collation: p. 28-39 ;

Abstract: The author analytically and coherently discusses that bilingualism in the Pacific is a consequence of formal education. For the vast majority of Pacific children, the languages they use in the home, community and school may all be different. By comparison, this linguistic situation is far more complex than in many metropolitan countries. Hence, given that bilingualism and literacy in English form the basis of school learning, it is important to try and find a balanced approach to bilingual education.

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Title: Values in primary education

Author: Singh, Gurmit
Subject:  Multicultural education|Fiji
 Education|Social aspects|Fiji
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.29, vol.15, no.2, 1993
Collation: p. 40-51 ;

Abstract: The author highlights the nature of primary education and curriculum first and then suggests that in all curriculum matters we need to cherish excellence, creativity and multiculturalism. In terms of values in primary curriculum, he suggests we seriously consider the implications of multiculturalism. He proposes to show how values based on our understanding of teaching and learning, childhood, culture and knowledge (and other related areas) are all linked to the quality of primary multiculturalism. While it is not easy to assess the quality of primary education (Baba, 1985), we can at least begin by asking relevant questions, such as: Does it cater for children’s personal development and promote such qualities as inquiry and creativity? Does it promote excellence in basic skills of numeracy and literacy? Does it reflect a deep understanding of, and respect for, the multiculturalism that characterises our society? And, does it possess the capacity for developing social skills, understanding and values in children that are in harmony with the nature of Fiji’s multicultural society?

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Title: Computer education in Fiji secondary schools : a critique

Author: Prasad, Bob S.
Subject:  Computer science|Study and teaching (Secondary)|Fiji|Evaluation
 Computers|Study and teaching (Secondary)|Fiji
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.29, vol.15, no.2, 1993
Collation: p. 52-58 ;

Abstract: The author outlines the introduction of computer education into the school curriculum in Fiji, then identifies and discusses what he thinks are the major constraints which may hinder the expansion of computer education nationally.

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Title: The ethics of parental participation in school management

Author: Sharma, Akhila Nand
Subject:  Community and school|Fiji
 School management and organization|Parent participation|Fiji
 Education|Parent participation|Fiji
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.29, vol.15, no.2, 1993
Collation: p. 59-72 ;

Abstract: Since the mid-1960s there has been a steady, although sometimes haphazard, growth of interest in greater parental participation in schooling (Watson, 1979). The arguments for parental participation in schooling and school management in particular rest on social and political considerations but are given focus with the welfare of the child. The social and political considerations of parental participation are those involved with the concept of democracy. In this context the primary function of a school management is concerned with the personal, social and political development of all those within its sphere of responsibility. This article takes the view that a school, for both ethical and practical reasons, must also address the developmental needs of parents, besides those of children and teachers (the latter two are not the concern of this article). It argues that their participation is both their right and duty. First, the article looks at the concept of participation. Next, it discusses the ethical arguments for parental participation in schooling. Lastly, it examines the degree of parental participation in school management in Fiji. Although the discussion is based on my educational experience in Fiji, it is intended to have wider relevance.

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Title: Running a mathematics resource unit : some reflections

Author: Muralidhar, Sundari
Subject:  The University of the South Pacific|Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching
 Mathematics|Study and teaching (Higher)|Oceania
Volume: Directions: Journal of Educational Studies no.29, vol.15, no.2, 1993
Collation: p. 73-84 ;

Abstract: The author reflects critically on the role and functions of the Mathematics Resource Unit which operates within the Centre for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching in the University of the South Pacific.

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