Beyond the classroom: Pacific-School partnership, leadership development and structural change

Project description

Our research focuses on collaborating with leaders in Kahui Ako clusters in the North and South Island to embed Pacific values and practices in educational settings. By facilitating shared talanoa—an inclusive, dialogue-based approach—we bridge the gap between communities and schools, fostering a supportive environment for both teaching and learning. This partnership ensures that educational practices are culturally relevant and community-driven, ultimately aiming to enhance student engagement and outcomes. Through this research, we strive to cultivate a cohesive educational framework that respects and incorporates Pacific values, creating a more inclusive and effective learning experience for all students.

Aims

1. To foster culturally relevant and community-driven educational practices by integrating Pacific values through shared talanoa between community and schools in Kahui Ako clusters across the North and South Island. This aim seeks to enhance the overall teaching and learning experience, ensuring it reflects and respects the cultural traditions of Pacific communities. 
2. To improve student engagement and academic outcomes by developing a cohesive educational framework that incorporates Pacific traditions and practices. By working closely with leaders in Kahui Ako clusters and facilitating collaborative dialogue, this research aims to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that benefits all students.

Why is this research important?

Research in education is pivotal for driving meaningful change, particularly when leaders from schools and Kahui Ako collaborate to integrate evidence-based practices into their strategies. By harnessing robust research, educational leaders can move practice into motion, ensuring that teaching methods are not only innovative but also effective. This approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement, leading to enhanced student outcomes. The synergy of research and practice empowers educators to make informed decisions, tailor interventions to meet Pacific learner needs, and ultimately, create a more equitable and dynamic learning environment. Consequently, the integration of research into educational practice stands as a cornerstone for advancing Pacific student success and educational excellence.

What we plan to do

Our research process begins with engaging schools to build strong, collaborative relationships. This foundational step ensures that our research is aligned with the needs and contexts of the educational communities we serve. Document analysis follows, allowing us to gather and scrutinize relevant data and policies, providing a comprehensive understanding of existing frameworks and practices. We then employ talanoa-driven strategies—an inclusive, dialogue-based approach rooted in Pacific traditions—to gather qualitative insights and foster meaningful connections. Finally, we implement active learning techniques to test and refine our findings in real-world educational settings. Together, these steps create a robust, contextually relevant research process that drives positive educational outcomes.

We will collect qualitative and quantitative data to ensure a comprehensive understanding of our research topics. Qualitative data, gathered through talanoa-driven strategies and interviews, will provide in-depth insights into personal experiences and perspectives. Thematic analysis will be utilised to identify patterns and insights within the qualitative data, enabling us to draw meaningful conclusions and inform school practices.

Contact details

Dr Cherie Chu-Fulufiaga

Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

Cherie.chu-fulufiaga@vuw.ac.nz