Takanga ‘enau fohe: a scoping review of the educational successes and challenges of Pacific learners in Australia 2010–2021

Abstract

International literature has recognised the importance of education research with Pacific learners. In an Australian context, the early years learning framework for Australia and the Australian curriculum emphasise that education sectors should work towards cultivating respect for cultural diversity and to develop intercultural understanding and intercultural capabilities. As such, the call to better understand the cultural complexities that underpins Pacific learners and their interactions with educational processes remains pertinent. This scoping review offers an important synthesis of empirical research on the educational successes and challenges of Pacific learners in Australian educational settings from 2010 to 2021. While this study offers critical insights for teacher education and research, the findings also revealed paucities in education research with Pacific learners. Thereby, propositions for future and ongoing education research with Pacific learners in Australia are offered in this article.

How Can Course Advising Better Support Pacific Student Success?

“…Pacific students represent the fastest growing student cohort in New Zealand (Statistics New Zealand, 2014) and Australia (Pale et al, 2023). It is incumbent upon universities to develop their services to best support Pacific students during their academic journey.…”