Enhancing Learning for Pasifika @ Uoa: a view from the Inside

Abstract

In 2005 the University of Auckland Library established a Pasifika Liaison Librarian position as a new initiative within the existing the Maori Services to enhance the learning of Pasifika students at the University and develop Pasifika Library Support and Information Services. This paper examines the background to the challenge of developing more effective services for Pasifika students and staff within a university institution from the perspectives of Pasifika staff who work in the library. It argues that the development of these services will be more effective if they build on existing University equity policies and seek integrated links with other Pasifika and Maori enhancement initiatives, perspectives and programmes. The paper examines existing Library policies and proposes ways of implementing these that provide for more effective partnerships between staff and services that will enhance services to Pasifika. It discusses some of the professional dilemmas for Pasifika staff seeking to bring a Pasifika perspective of service delivery and enhancement to Pasifika students and staff. It suggests an alternative integrated way of working collaboratively in partnerships which acknowledges, builds on, and empowers the life experiences and aspirations of Pasifika students and staff. alternative Special Edition / Special Issue 2008 In February 2005, the Pacific Library Services was established with the appointment of the Pasifika Liaison Librarian. Since then it has developed targeted initiatives to assist students and staff with information literacy and research skills to further support and enhance their success at the University of Auckland. This paper will, therefore, examine how the University and the Library policies impact on the implementation of the delivery of Library services to Pasifika students and staff, and the perceptions of the mainstream community of the Pasifika Library Services. In addition, it raises but does not resolve the challenges and dilemmas faced in delivering these services in a relevant and appropriate way to the Pasifika staff and students. Finally, it suggests ala fou (ways forward) for more equitable, relevant and robust service delivery, which enhances and promotes tertiary success for all the Pasifika Peoples at University.

Using Talanoa as a Research Method can Facilitate Collaborative Engagement and Understanding between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Communities

“…While talanoa is a concept that is part of the daily lives of many Pacific Island communities, it is transferable to a research setting. Several research disciplines or areas are using talanoa including education (Johansson-Fua, 2014; Manu’atu, 2000; McFall-McCaffery, 2008; Otsuka, 2005); literacy (Fletcher et al, 2006); health (Meo-Sewabu, 2015); business (Prescott, 2008); sport (Gordon et al, 2013) housing (Alatini, 2004) and gambling (Guttenbeil-Po’uhila, 2004). Havea (2014) has used talanoa to research climate change in Tonga, whereas our research focused on how Fijian societies might transform in response to climate change.…”

Pasifika pedagogies in an indigenous tertiary environment

“…Effective teaching practices and transitioning for primary and secondary schools are discussed in the publications of Hawk, Cowley, Hill and Sutherland (2002) and Hill and Hawk (2000). Additionally, tertiary participation, retention, cultural responsiveness and identity are explored (e.g., Chu, 2014;McCaffery, 2008;Porter-Samuels, 2013;Samu, 2006;Spiller, 2013). These researchers tell similar narratives: Pasifika students are underachieving and continue to struggle in mainstream education.…”

“…Literature specific to Pasifika students at tertiary institutions speaks to the need for staff to be culturally responsive and for student support initiatives to be diverse to cater for the needs of Pasifika students. This has been accomplished by creating mentoring relationships (Chu, 2014) and enhancing cultural capital by creating Pacific-specific roles (McCaffery, 2008). Mira (2014) examines how the experiences of Samoan woman at tertiary education in Aotearoa New Zealand strengthen or weaken their cultural identity.…”

Pacific Students and Their Perceptions of an Academic Library: a Case Study of Whitireia Community Polytechnic

“…A University of Auckland survey (Anae and Suaalii, 1996 as cited in Mara, 2007) found that the General Library was one of the 4 most used services by Pacific students but it needed to be enhanced and extended. The outcome was the development of the Pasifika Liaison Librarian at the University (McFall McCaffery, 2008). In Beaver and Tuck's study (1998) of overseas students at a tertiary institution, Pacific Island students rated their level of competency in 'using the library' very highly, more than Asian students.…”