ABSTRACT
Given the current impact of COVID-19, the learning experiences of Pasifika students within tertiary education has implicated their social and emotional wellbeing. Engaging in a Tongan learning approach, such as "fakalukuluku," can present a viable learning practice for tertiary students' learning experiences. This paper presents the perspectives of four Tongan-born and raised researchers and educators who completed their tertiary education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Based on our experiences and reflections, we propose the Tongan concept of "fakalukuluku" as an approach to help elevate students' academic achievement in tertiary education. Our paper conceptualises and unfolds perspectives of "fakalukuluku," as a cultural practice that is appropriate, collaborative, and accorded learning stability because of its spiritual dimensions as being paramount to students' success. We propose that a strong family and community support, the utilising of university learning support and the students' spiritual beliefs can help Tongan students in tertiary education succeed.
ABSTRACT
Learning online from home bubbles through the use of information communication technology (ICT) stretches the engagement and enactment of "va" (relational connections) between students and lecturers as well as Pacific people in the community. In this paper, "talanoa" is used to capture students' online learning experiences and their perceived understanding of connections. Such experiences are embodied in people's interactions, conversations, problem-solving, knowledge sharing and exchange of ideas and practice. As the "va" space online between lecturer and student as well as people in the community is physically "mama'o" (distanced), the perceived space of learning connection raises concern over ethics and practice. Engaging in open talanoa of the uncertainties linked to online interactions within the post-COVID context and the place of "va" ethics can lead to "talanoa malie" that highlight possibilities and solutions.