This presentation outlines a multiple case study research project, conducted in Aotearoa New Zealand, and my role as a Pacific researcher, utilizing Pacific Talanoa research methodology, investigating early childhood teachers’ practices and interactions in supporting oral language acquisition and learning with Pacific heritage children, and using Talanoa methodology. Four case studies serving diverse communities were researched with a key question posed: how might teachers and families draw on Pacific home languages, contexts and cultural experiences to support children’s oral language learning? This presentation discusses: the crucial role of culture to language learning; the role of the teacher in language development; and the construction of a language learning framework, Te Fale Tuatua framework and instrument, to guide language and cultural learning for Pacific learners. This linguistic and cultural tool assists Pacific and non-Pacific teachers to effectively reinforce oral language acquisition and denotes the intrinsic nature of cultural practices and values, to language learning. This presentation sits within a sociocultural justice paradigm and asserts the right of Pacific children to an education promoting their cultures and home languages. Furthermore, it urges teachers to be well prepared to teach Pacific languages and well versed in Pacific cultural knowledge and expertise. Western education is disenfranchising and a colonizing experience for Pacific learners in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific region, mostly framed by Western theory, teaching pedagogy and approaches. This presentation critically reflects on research findings, indicating the pivotal positioning of Pacific, theory, methodology, frameworks and pedagogy for Pacific culturally responsive teaching.

Authors:
Allie Glasgow, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Allie Glasgow is Senior Lecturer and Programme Director in the School of Education, at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington. Her interests: Education for Pacific, Early Childhood, Special needs, Climate crises, culture and language

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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