Enhancing educational success through Talanoa : a framework for the Pacific

Abstract

Talanoa is a traditional means of oral communication common to the Island nations of the Pacific.

This paper introduces a framework for alleviating student success and retention at early childhood education, primary and secondary schools for Pacific students learning in a social context outside of their own culture. The framework is based on traditional talanoa as a research tool and methodology. In particular, the paper discusses the application talanoa as part of the assessment process, curriculum development, teaching and learning, and evaluation. The proposed framework draws on the experiences and design of the Te Kotahitanga project introduced in New Zealand in 2001 and will be relevant to the ongoing aim to improve educational success and retention among Pacific students. Given the discussions draw on experience in New Zealand over the past twenty years, it will be of particular relevance to local policy developers.