Burnett, Greg (2013) Approaches to English literacy teaching in the Central Pacific Republic of Kiribati: quality teaching, educational aid and curriculum reform. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 33 (3). pp. 350-363.

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Abstract

English literacy competence in the Central Pacific Republic of Kiribati is considered important for employment, overseas study and general engagement with a globalizing world. It is also considered as a key factor in the current government’s response to climate change and sea level rise, enabling skilled relocation of I-Kiribati to other countries if necessary. This article synthesizes a range of literature sources based on Kiribati literacy education to highlight: a general perception that English literacy standards are in decline; the role of the teacher in addressing that decline; pedagogical approaches to teaching literacy, particularly the historic swing from a highly structured and socially conservative teacher-centred approach to that of a very liberal studentcentred approach; and the reliance on Australian and NZ educational aid and consultancy in literacy education. These issues require further debate and investigation in light of unique development problems in Kiribati marked by: rural to urban drift; an increasingly youthful population; limited employment possibilities, and eventual possible large-scale repatriation due to sea level rise. The article tentatively suggests an approach to literacy education based on a four resources model that balances teacher and learner-centredness with socio-cultural and political aspects of literacy.

Item ID:	59030
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1742-6855
Keywords:	literacy, development, curriculum, educational policy, Kiribati, aid
Copyright Information:	© 2013 National Institute of Education, Singapore
Date Deposited:	30 Jul 2019 00:16
FoR Codes:	13 EDUCATION > 1303 Specialist Studies in Education > 130311 Pacific Peoples Education @ 50% 13 EDUCATION > 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy > 130204 English and Literacy Curriculum and Pedagogy (excl LOTE, ESL and TESOL) @ 50%
SEO Codes:	93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9399 Other Education and Training > 939906 Pacific Peoples Education @ 100%
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