Abstract
Pacific peoples make up the third largest ethnic group in New Zealand (New Zealand Government, 2023). From the perspective of a Samoan (Pacific) teacher educator, I will delve into key findings from a literature review on the Samoan concept of tōfā saili, meaning ‘to search’ or to research. The literature review is drawn from the work of mainly Samoan and/or Pacific indigenous orators and researchers, including the work of Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese. Key findings from the literature highlights teaching methods that emerge from the concept of tōfā saili, and a consideration of how such teaching methods offers an opportunity to apply cultural knowledge in an authentic and relevant way. Tōfā saili places a strong emphasis on collaborative, reciprocal, and holistic approaches to teaching and learning that recognises the need for educational experiences that are deeply connected with one’s own cultural identity and values. This discussion of tōfā saili forms part of my broader doctoral research, which aims to explore Samoan conceptual knowledge to inform educational pedagogy in the diaspora.
Author Information
Anamua Lole, Manukau Institute of Technology, New Zealand
Comments
Powered by WP LinkPress