Adaptive capacity in the Pacific region: a study of continuous professional development for in-service teachers in Kiribati

ABSTRACT

This study of I-Kiribati secondary school teachers used a project-based approach to investigate the notions of school-based and collaborative learning as a suitable model for in-service teacher continuous professional development (CPD). The design and methodology adopted by the study framed the argument that since collaborative behavior is integral in Kiribati and Pacific community daily life it could be a suitably applied in the workplace to promote effective learning. At the same time the study was designed to investigate a system of learning for teachers in Kiribati that would address their needs, in particular being school-based. The study revealed that cultural influences in Kiribati such as: the role of leaders, respect for elders and secret knowledge have a strong influence on teacher behavior both inside and outside the classroom. The recommendations concur with research literature that suggests developing effective policy and practices in the Pacific region must be driven by and strongly reflect cultural practices, values and beliefs. Importantly, the notion that some cultural practices may conflict when applied in different settings provides an added dimension to the body of literature.

KEYWORDS:

• Continuous professional development
• Pacific models
• school-based teacher learning
• collaborative work practices
• cultural influences

Acknowledgements

The Ministry of Education and faith-based education authorities in Kiribati. Participating secondary school teachers and school principals of the participating schools. The University of the South Pacific.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Untrained Teachers Project 2014 report: School of Education, The University of the South Pacific.

2. an old man.

3. a meeting house where issues of social, political and economic issues are discussed.

4. sap collected from the coconut blossom which when fermented is alcoholic.

5. The Untrained Teachers Project: Final Report Kiribati, 2014, University of the South Pacific.

6. PIF Communiques 2008–2015.

7. The Untrained Teachers Project: Final Report Kiribati, 2014, University of the South Pacific.

8. Unimane (old men) representing every family in the village.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tess Martin

Tess Martin has extensive experience working in TVET and the Pacific region. This work includes principal at the Kiribati Institute of Technology, and project manager for untrained secondary school teachers.

Ian Thomson

Ian Thomson has more than twenty years experience working in the Pacific region with Ministries of Education promoting new learning technologies.