Title: Of daffodils and hilala : understanding cultural contexts in Pacific literature

Abstract: Helu Thaman raises the need to view Pacific literature in its socio-cultural context, rather than judge it from criteria developed to critique western literature. The article provides valuable food for thought for both students and teachers of Pacific literature.

Title: What students think about good teaching : an exploratory survey at the University of the South Pacific

Abstract: Landbeck reports on very interesting research being pursued at the University of the South Pacific to discover students’ perceptions of what constitutes good teaching. Among other aspects, students highlighted lecturers’ good communication and interpersonal skills as being important for their learning. The article also suggests that the conception of teaching-learning at the U.S.P. may be mainly one of transmission-reception of knowledge and suggests how this may be expanded so that greater exploration of ideas occur.

Title: The conceptualisation of non-formal education

Abstract: Kedrayate presents a useful discussion on non-formal education, its relevance to and practice inthe Pacific, as well as ways in which it can and should be adapted to suit the Pacific culturalcontext.

Title: An i-Kiribati man's gender values : influences which have shaped his attitudes and behaviour toward males and females

Abstract: Baantarawa et al’s discussion of how an i-Kiribati man’s gender values were shaped by the cultural context in which he grew up links with other articles in this issue in its arousing our awareness of the crucial role of early experiences in shaping gender as well as other attitudes and values. Ways in which values can alter are also explored and the stimuli for such change merit some thought.

Title: Secondary school failure in Tonga : implications for in-service and pre-service teacher development

Abstract: Attrition from the (formal) schooling system has long been of concern in our region. Thus Tatafu et al’s report on a study of secondary school dropout and examination failure at the upper secondary level in the Kingdom of Tonga is worthy of close consideration. Possible causes of attrition, such as overly examination-oriented teaching, which leaves less able students (who may be a majority) floundering, were identified in the doctoral study which the article reports on. Among panacea, pre-service teacher training revision is suggested in the light of problems identified by the study.

Title: Dictionary use as a way of learning vocabulary in SLA : a preliminary study

Abstract: Liu Songhao reports on a study which counteracts a view held by some second language acquisition scholars that guessing is a better strategy for acquiring vocabulary than is referring to a dictionary. Songhao’s research indicated that both strategies can be helpful and may also be complementary.

Title: We need to use both : the place of the indigenous language in science lessons in Western Samoa

Abstract: Lee Hang and Barker address the key issue of the potential value of using students’ vernacular language as well as English in teaching a subject such as science at the secondary level. While acknowledging the complexity of the issue, the authors suggest that judicial use of both Samoan and English can not only enhance students’ acquisition of concepts, but may also promote enquiry/critical thinking among students which are regarded by most as central to science teaching-learning.

Title: The study of primary education in Fiji : how does it meet the needs of Fiji children

Abstract: Modh and Lanstrom highlight many ways in which basic education in Fiji meets the general needs of education, including acculturation, preparation for life and inculcation of appropriate attitudes and values among students. While suggesting some ways of better fulfilling basic educational goals in Fiji, they also express the view that no educational system in the world would be fully attaining all desired goals.