Flavell, Margaret (2020) The place of ako in strengthening home - school relationships for Pasifika secondary learners in Aotearoa/New Zealand. In: It takes an Island and an Ocean. Institute of Education, The University of the South Pacific, Tonga Campus, Tonga, pp. 173-183. ISBN 978-982-9173-54-6
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Abstract
This paper explores connections between ako and home-school relationships for secondary Pasifika students in Aotearoa/New Zealand. It discusses how ako, a Tongan concept of learning that encompasses cultural continuity (Thaman, 1997), can be supported through closer connections between schools and families. Good practice in home-school relationships advocates collaboration and reciprocity between teachers and families (Bull, Brooking, & Campbell, 2008). Such good practice helps with an exchange of knowledge, thereby enabling teachers to develop their understanding of the cultural perspectives of families. An appreciation of the Pacific concept of va further endorses how strengthening home-school relationships can promote cultural understanding as highlighted in ako.
My doctoral study, which has explored home-school relationships for secondary Pacific learners, has been informed by an Appreciative Inquiry process (which recognises good practices). I have been able to draw out a number of strengths both from Pasifika families and the community, and from the schools. These strengths reflect a shared vision to see all Pasifika young people succeed in school. An analysis of findings also suggests there may be some areas for further development in terms of relationship-building between schools, Pasifika families, and the community.
This paper concludes that an Appreciative Inquiry model could be an effective tool schools can adopt to help strengthen home-school relationships, facilitating the process of ako, and, consequently, supporting students’ successful learning outcomes.
| Item Type: | Book Chapter |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | L Education > L Education (General) |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Arts, Law and Education (FALE) > Institute of Education |
| Depositing User: | Afuafu Kautoke |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Sep 2020 23:09 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Sep 2020 23:09 |
| URI: | https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/12290 |
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