Author Description

Much education practice in the Pacific has been inherited or strongly ifluenced by systems from elsewhere. Largely, these are not serving Pacific communities well. Reform strategies from 'outside' have also not been effective. Increasinly Pacific educators themsleves are assuming responsibility for 'rethinking' and, ultimately, transforming Pacific education. However, they also advocate new approaches that bring together the best of both Western and Pacific knowledge systems, philosophies, and ideologies. They make suggestions for strengthening practice in a broad range of areas such as assessment, peace education, professional development, and developing literacy. They consider the value of reflection and reflective practice in order to create the right environment for a transformative shift in paradigm and mindset. This book contains valuable insights for all stakeholders and practitioners of education in the Pacific region as well as for those anywhere wgo are studying Pacific education at tertiary level. Proceedings of the Vaka Pasifiki Education Conference 2014: weaving theory and practice in teacher education in Oceania: 24 & 25 September 2014, Nuku'alofa, Kingdom of Tonga