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| The South Pacific Islands |
I appreciated Makena's comment about rejecting what has been declared "true" as the prevailing dogma. As Descarte was bold in his day, we should model his forethought in regard to education. I also thought about Ashley's comment on the public policy and legislative issues necessary to implement changes in US public education. In considering these, I had the
opportunity to speak with Dr. Namulau’ulu Gaugau Tavana. Dr. Tavana is a native
of Samoa, and was instrumental in designing and implementing a new educational
system for the nation of Samoa. Instead of adhering to the British (or European)
system, at which many Samoan youth experienced defeat (and like
Tonga, originally instituted because of their ties with New
Zealand), Samoa embraced a new system which allowed
direct input into curriculum standards and formation from village and district
representation. In this system, native Samoans, elected from village chiefs and
commoners, had a representative voice, along with business and government
leaders, in determining what type of education would allow for the sanctity of
cultural customs and mores combined with foundational core classes and life
skills, thus benefiting all students. It was policy change from the ground up.
Whereas the old
system, taught in many instances by native teachers, but administered through
New Zealand testing by “palangi” (whites) unfamiliar with the culture and
intimidating to the native students, resulting in poor performance on
standardized tests, the new system allowed for a wide range of achievement in
not only core academics, but also what we might consider a trade school
curriculum such as business, carpentry, metal work, home economics, and native
agricultural skills.
As a native Samoan
who grew up under the restraints of the old system, Dr. Tavana is one of the
few native youth who achieved enough success to continue his education abroad. His
life goal has been to increase the opportunities for success for the youth of his
country by preserving the best of Samoa while fitting them to take their place
without fear anywhere their dreams lead them.
There was a TED talk given by a young man (boy) who talked about hacking his own education. He learned better and faster because he learned how he wanted to and, partially, what he wanted to. I think this type of education can be very effective. I also think it can be dangerous. I know too many American teens that would not be able to choose to study important and hard things. But it seems like there are educated people making these decisions in Samoa.
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