By Faamoemoe Hakai Soti

1. By Faamoemoe Hakai Soti EDTL905 RESEARCH TOPIC:Perspectives and Perceptions of Teachers, Students and Parents towards Teaching and Learning Food & Textiles Technology in Secondary Schools in Samoa

2. Focus of Presentation Introduction The Samoan Context Samoan Educational Context Literature Review Methodology & Methods FTT Issues &Challenges Research Findings Conclusion

3. Samoan Context: • Context of the study • Geographical context • Social and Economical context • Political Situation

4. Educational Context: Informal education (Samoan culture) Formal education (Western culture) Empowerment of Individual

5. Literature Review Anderson, (2005) describes H. Economics/FTT as contributing to the shaping of the world through its professional impact on millions of individuals and their families. Nickles(2003) believes that six important issues about the family and their functions to consider are: * food &nutrition * food safety * child development * parenting * textile products * consumer demands Atwell (1999) sees H. Economics as an opportunity to attain economic freedom and to enhance the productivity of local state and national economies.

6. Research Questions 1. What perspectives and perceptions do the teachers, students and parents have, towards teaching and learning FTT in Secondary Schools? Main Question 2 What processes are involved in teaching and learning FTT context? 3 What are the major factors that impede the successful implementation of the FTT teaching and learning? 4 How can positive perspectives and attitudes towards teaching and learning this subject area be enhanced?

7. Methodology: Case Study- qualitative approach Sample Participant observation In- depth interviewing Data Analysis Summary

8. FTT Issues non- compulsory nature of FTT shortage of specialist teachers teachers struggle without teaching resources lack of research to strengthen the pedagogies of FTT prioritise teaching core subjects than vocational subjects

9. Research Findings Attitudes & Values of Teachers Relevant FTT curriculum is on need based FTT education needs to be a compulsory subject for all students in primary, secondary & tertiary FTT programme did not get much support from community A need to change attitudes towards teaching and learning FTT I

10. Research Findings Contd.Attitudes & Values of Teachers • MESC needs to ensure that there is a pool of high quality teachers to implement curriculum- upgrade qualification • Incentive packages- salary increase for teachers • On- going professional training of FTT teachers to master the practical oriented skills and content knowledge of FTT • Provide special awards (for the FTT teachers of the Year, Students, Parent support and industry support).

11. Perceptions of Parents FTT is expensive but willing to pay fees to support better future for their children Establish career pathways awareness programs in schools. Absence of community participation in decision-making and the teaching - learning processes. One reason for the lack of understanding at school & community level. Research Findings Contd

12. Perceptions of Students To become a productive member of the society To become a good citizen and make the right decisions Want to be a chef like my mother Increase more skills for self employment Teachers need further training to implement practical skills

13. Conclusion Education is the key to Success & Development Results will hope to provide guidance to MESC to improve professional development for teachers, resource provision and to upgrade the status of teaching and learning FTT in secondary schools Results will also improve the educational chain that needs substantial strengthening and upgrading for teaching & learning FTT in Samoa Fa’afetai Lava