Academics from the Fiji National University’s College of Humanities, Education and Law and representatives from the Ministry of Education that were part of the Programme Restructure Workshop.

Academics from the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL) and representatives from the Ministry of Education were part of a three-day Programme Restructure Workshop last week.

The workshop which took place at FNU’s Natabua Campus in Lautoka, was led by the CHEL senior management team which comprised of the Dean, Professor Mesake Dakuidreketi, Associate Dean Learning and Teaching, Associate Professor, Dr Lavinia Tiko and the Associate Dean Research, Dr Govinda Lingam, with academics from the School of Education and the Ministry’s Curriculum Advisory Services (CAS) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) section.

Academics in discussion during the final day of the Programme Restructure Workshop at the Fiji National University’s Natabua Campus in Lautoka.

The review and restructuring of FNU’s teacher education programmes aim to enhance the quality of both course content and delivery.

Professor Dakuidreketi highlighted that quality in teacher education programmes called for standards and features that ensured the programmes effectively prepared teachers for their careers.

“It encompasses various aspects, including curriculum design, teaching methods, student support, and overall programme structure,” he said.

“The goal is to create a programme that aligns to the regional teacher education and global standards that leads to the development of competent, effective, and engaged teachers who can contribute to the success of their students and schools.”

Dr Tiko stated that FNU needed high impact teaching programmes with high impact staff leading the delivery of the quality teacher education programme to the trainee teachers.

College of Humanities, Education and Law Associate Dean Learning and Teaching, Associate Professor, Dr Lavinia Tiko working alongside Lecturer, Sangeeta Jattan during the Programme Restructure Workshop.

“Teacher education is crucial for ensuring quality education, supporting student growth, and addressing educational disparities. We want to equip our teachers with the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to effectively manage classrooms, adapt to new teaching methods, and create an inclusive learning environment,” said Dr Tiko.

“Well-prepared teachers have a significant impact on student outcomes, contributing not only to academic achievement, but economic and personal growth.”

FNU acknowledges the Ministry of Education for this collaboration and hopes for more crucial discussions in the same area soon.