to Achieve Pacific Success 23 May 2018 Changing Practice to Achieve Pacific Success

Changing Practice to Achieve Pacific Success Tavita Filemoni*, John Horrocks, Lisa Wong, Seann Paurini, Arden Perrot, Manaini Cama, Aleeshea Reid Ako Aotearoa Regional Hub Fund

Overview of Presentation Introduction and Context Research Question Methodology Interim Findings Summary and Discussion

Pacific Learners in Tertiary Education Tertiary Education Strategies Lifting the achievement of Pacific learners is a goal in the latest New Zealand Tertiary Education Strategies (TES) Pacific Learner Strategy documents published by TEC, NZQA, Ministry of Education

Pacific Learners in Tertiary Education Requirements for success - previous research Institutional commitment to Pacific Learners and Pacific-centric teaching and learning relationships are required (Chu et al, 2013) Community involvement acknowledged as a contributor to success (TESs) Investigation of Pacific Policy in Tertiary Institutions - commissioned by Ako Aotearoa (Horrocks et al, 2012) Success for all: Improving Maori and Pasifika student success in degree-level studies. (Airini et al, 2010).

Pacific Trades Initiative Established Pacific Trades Initiative (PTI) established by TEC in 2011 to provide fee-free support for Pacific learners in the Trades First cohort in 2012, 2nd cohort in 2013 WelTec became a PTI provider WelTec uses this as an opportunity to drive change in how services and support are provided to this cohort of learners

PTI Recruitment Process Consultation For Process Recommend Enrolment Formal Assessment by Institutions Promote Pacific Communities Work with Institutions Final Approval By Church Ministers Church Ministers Develop Nomination Forms Church Ministers Receive Nominations Award Scholarships, Blessing & Orientation

Research Question What factors contribute to the success of PTI students at WelTec? Purpose To inform better practice to improve retention and achievement for all Pacific Learners Scope Teaching / Learning / Support practices Pastoral practices Community involvement Literacy and Numeracy Retention and completion

Methodology Mixed Methods Approach Ethical approval obtained Quantitative (TEC test scores, etc) Qualitative (interviews) Ethical approval obtained

Methodology - Data Collected Numbers PROGRAMME INFO Results TEC Tool Literacy QUANTITATIVE TEC Tool Numeracy PTI students Tutors QUALITATIVE (interviews) Staff Support Church ministers Management Ethical Approval obtained

Interim Findings Students and Programme of study Literacy and Numeracy Performance Indicators Interviews (analysed to date) Church ministers PTI students Tutors

Programme Information 2012 2013   Enrolments Passed Carpentry (L3) 23 18 Landscape Construction (L4) 10 7 Decorating 4 2 1 Pre-Trade Painting (L2) 12 Plumbing & Gasfitting (L3) 11 15 Brick & Block Laying (L3) 5 Engineering – Fabrication (L3) 3 Totals 65 50 41 32

Literacy and Numeracy Indicators LN Performance Indicators obtained using TEC Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Tool: LN Percentage Assessed Indicator (Compliance) Indicator of %age of learners who received initial and progress assessments Indication of institutional use of the Assessment Tool LN Gain Indicator (Significant Gain) Indicator of difference between initial and progress scores where there is a statistically significant gain Indication of improvement in students’ literacy and numeracy

Literacy and Numeracy LN Percentage Assessed Indicator (Compliance) LN Assessment Tool Measures 2012 2013   Pacific Trades All WelTec Compliance (%) 51 58 80.3 64.8 Increased compliance from: Greater student and tutor engagement Students could see long-term benefits in improving LN Students were informed and part of the assessment process

Literacy and Numeracy LN Gain Indicator (Significant Gain) LN was embedded into course work and academic support in 2013 producing significant gains: 33% increase in Literacy, 11% increase in Numeracy. Professional development give to tutors by LLN Advisor and co-teaching by LLN team and Learning Support tutors contributed to the improvement LN Assessment Tool Measures 2012 2013   Pacific Trades All WelTec Significant (Literacy) (%) 6.7 33 11.3 Significant (Numeracy) (%) 16 10.8 27 18.8

Interviews with Church ministers “The vision of the Ministers’ Fraternal in Wellington [is] that we believe that we can improve our children’s education by working collaboratively with tertiary education [institutions]. It has been our vision right from the start and this is how we see a way where we could lead out people to success.” (Church minister 1) “People contact and people knowledge, local knowledge, is always a much better way.” (Church minister 2)

Interviews with PTI students “He was just patient for the Pacific students to move on; not just be like builders but be owners. His morals were like real good; straight up. He told us what was on his mind and what he wanted us to be. I think that inspired me just to move on keep going.” (Carpentry student about tutor.. and the aspiration for students to think ahead .. similar quotes from a Church minister.)

Interviews with tutors “Being Pacific Islanders is something to cherish and that’s why I say to the boys, “ The actions that we do today that will echo on through for the next generation of people that come along; they’ll see why we’re successful here and what we do they’ll model it around your actions, your attendance, what you do on the course and the things you’ve taken from the course.” So yeah I do ask a lot of the boys..” (Carpentry tutor)

Factors contributing to success Visioning Recruitment through community links Staff as learners The “push” – being directive Pastoral care Being part of a team Visibility Work readiness

Areas for improvement A Pacific strategy for WelTec Further dialogue with Pacific ministers about their role in pastoral care during the students’ period of study An expanded Pasifika Centre An improved recruitment and selection process Further support for initiatives such as the jobs passport

Holistic / Integrated Approach Learning Commons Learning Advisors, LLN Advisors, Career, Support, Library Tutors Student Mentors Student Mentors Institution Community

Pacific Learner Journey to Success WelTec Employment Work environment Industry Students Community Contributing to Economy Family, NZ, Pacific

Acknowledgements Interviewees who agreed to be part of this study WelTec staff who have contributed to the Holistic/Integrated Approach and Pacific Learner success Funding – Ako Aotearoa Regional Hub Fund, WelTec Innovation & Research Grants Committee