Embedding indigenous science knowledge and values in higher education: Critical reflexive practice informed by successful Tongan science learners

Fonua, Sonia

doi:10.15663/wje.v23i1.629

Cited by 12 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Tongan writers (e.g., Kalavite, 2019;Māhina, 2004Māhina, , 2010) link time and space in tā-vā theory; these concepts are 'at the core of all things that exist, in a single level of reality, as in nature, mind and society' (Kalavite, 2019, p. 175). The literature makes clear the importance to Pacific students of an appreciation of tā (Kalavite, 2019;Māhina, 2008) and of well cared-for relationships understood through va (Fonua, 2018;Mara, 2011;Reynolds, 2017;Tuagalu, 2008). Despite the importance of time, I concentrate on va, relational space, as a key concept of value when considering relationality, innovation and educational space.…”

Section: Va/vā and Tāmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Relational Approach to Learning Environments: Learning from Pacific Wisdom

Reynolds

2022

NZ J Educ Stud

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A relational approach focusses on connections between things, assuming that all things exist in relatedness. In this article, attention is given to the relationship between innovative learning environments (ILE) as described in literature, and elements of the field of Pacific education. In order to investigate this relationship, I take a layered approach, attending to five relational matters. First, I ask how relationships are configured between key elements within ILE thinking. Second, I examine what the literature of Pacific education says about how relationships can be understood. Third, I investigate the relational space between ILE thinking and Pacific Education. Next, I describe some aspects of three innovative Pacific educational spaces. And finally, I seek to learn from these deliberately configured educational spaces. The inquiry trajectory grounds discussions of literature and theory in innovative practice, a significant move where the intent is to offer support for innovative educational spaces that might be beneficial to Pacific (and other non-majority) students.

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Section: Va/vā and Tāmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Relational Approach to Learning Environments: Learning from Pacific Wisdom

Reynolds

2022

NZ J Educ Stud

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“…In response, my research was designed to be socially transformative educational research, rather than a valuable source of information that did not necessarily trigger further action or sustained change. As a non-Indigenous science educator, I have embraced the idea of critical reflexive practice, particularly considering, and adjusting my own practice (Fonua, 2018(Fonua, , 2020a. While I acknowledge the discussion of other scholars regarding the proliferation of Pacific methodologies and frameworks (Sanga & Reynolds, 2017), the Manulua Framework I present here is intended to contribute to discussions about how non-Indigenous researchers and educators can engage in research with Indigenous populations.…”

Section: The Research Projectmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, while a lot of research has focused on Pacific students, particularly relative to other ethnic groups such as Pākehā, and Māori, there is still limited research specifically focused on the experiences of Tongan students in Aotearoa. The available literature falls into two broad categories which overlap with the focus of this research project: highlighting concerns around Tongan student achievement (Kalavite, 2010; ‘Otunuku & Brown, 2007) and acknowledging the benefits of incorporating Tongan concepts and cultural practices (Fonua, 2018; Manu’atu, 2000, 2009; ‘Otunuku, 2010).…”

Section: Tonga Education Research In Aotearoamentioning

confidence: 99%

The Manulua Framework: how combining multiple research methodologies and theoretical or conceptual frameworks strengthens research with Tongan participants

Fonua

2021

AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples

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When researching with Moana (ocean) or Pacific peoples, a key research consideration is which methodological approach will best acknowledge, engage, and value what is shared. The Manulua (two birds) Framework explores the experiences of successful Tongan science learners in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Kingdom of Tonga. The Manulua Framework draws on four very different theoretical or conceptual frameworks and methods, complementing (1) Tongan and Moana or Pacific approaches to research with aspects of (2) critical realism, (3) relationality through vā (space), and the (4) multiscience framework. Epeli Hau’ofa’s seminal essay Sea of Islands, and the articles of support and critique found in A New Oceania helped situate Oceania as the context, connector, and source of my participants’ stories. This article describes how this combination acknowledged Moana or Pacific values, protocols, knowledge, and beliefs during data collection, analysis, and reflection, offering a way for researchers to consider how to draw upon multiple theoretical or conceptual frameworks and methods in their work.

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“…Being present at these talatalanoa reinforced my understanding of holding and maintaining relational space (Anae, 2016) in order to enable others to engage in and support Mäori and Pasifika student success. Having an open space for tauiwi to openly share their experiences and the gaps in their knowledge around Mäori and Pasifika values, culture and knowledge, and to critically reflect on their praxis (Fonua, 2018) can be seen as beneficial to the overall re-Indigenising and decolonising goals of He Vaka Moana. Having this space created by Päkehä for tauiwi to have these discussions can be understood as an effective way to discuss the institutional challenges that affect Mäori and Pasifika student success (DiAngelo, 2018; Wikaire, 2015) and the ways in which educators can engage in critical self-reflection.…”

Section: Talatalanoamentioning

confidence: 99%

Growing the fleet–A Māori re-search-teina’s perspective on Māori and Pasifika re-search relationality

Gillon¹

2020

MAI Journal

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He Vaka Moana is a strengths-based project framed by oceanic principles and methodologies that connect us as Mäori and Pasifika to the ocean. The underpinning kaupapa and theoretical framework of He Vaka Moana is the Tongan proverb "pikipiki hama kae vaevae manava", which refers to our individual vaka coming together to support each other as we navigate the moana. He Vaka Moana operates through tuäkana-tëina relationships, with Mäori, Pasifika and Päkehä research fellows across disciplines working with experienced academics, professional staff and new and emerging researchers towards Mäori and Pasifika student success. The ways in which these tuäkana-tëina relationships enhance and support new and emerging Mäori and Pasifika researchers are important to the success of "growing the fleet" and increasing Mäori and Pasifika research capacity and capability. Through metaphors of the moana, this article takes a critically self-reflective approach to discuss being a research-teina. The experiences and conversations from "floating" through a relational space that can be understood as Moana Nui a Kiwa are explored in this article. Thoughts from the moana are shared as to how research tuäkana-tëina relationships influence and support the growth of Mäori and Pasifika researchers. The need for further oceanic projects that support and (re)centre Mäori and Pasifika tuäkana-tëina relationships and mentorship within westernised academia is also discussed.

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Embedding indigenous science knowledge and values in higher education: Critical reflexive practice informed by successful Tongan science learners

Cited by 12 publications

References 12 publications

A Relational Approach to Learning Environments: Learning from Pacific Wisdom

A Relational Approach to Learning Environments: Learning from Pacific Wisdom

The Manulua Framework: how combining multiple research methodologies and theoretical or conceptual frameworks strengthens research with Tongan participants

Growing the fleet–A Māori re-search-teina’s perspective on Māori and Pasifika re-search relationality

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