Pacific Education: Issues and Perspectives

Abstract

This book is about Pacific Education and covers a number of key issues and challenges from a variety of perspectives, penned by a number of educators who have worked in the pacific region, as well as the School of Education at the University of the South Pacific. The authors represent a wide spectrum of experiences representative of various perspectives within all levels of education from Early Childhood Education through Primary and Secondary Education to Higher Education. The papers are set against a backdrop of small island states; many of which comprise a series of scattered and isolated islands, (ADB and Commonwealth Secretariat report, 2005) coupled with a heavy dependency on foreign Aid (Kabini, 2005). The book is written on the assumption that a continued discussion, debate and analysis on matters, issues and topics concerning Pacific education as it is presented in policy, or implemented on the ground is necessary to improve its quality. The book is also premised on the tenet that all levels of education, educators, parents, students and the public should be effectively involved in commentary and the shaping of educational agendas, not just be mere implementers of agendas set by 'others', usually those which are donor-driven. The book represents a small dosage of what the authors see as Pacific education issues of today. These may differ of course, from what other educators hold. This is to be expected as educators and researchers ask different questions at different times, hence the choices in the focus of the chapters.