Perspectives on scientific and technological literacy in Tonga
Subtitle: moving forward in the 21st century.
Published: 2005
Language: eng
Number of pages: 501
Subjects: Technology -- Study and teaching -- Tonga.; Science -- Study and teaching -- Tonga.; Material culture -- Study and teaching -- Tonga.; Education -- Curricula -- Tonga.; Alternative education -- Tonga.; Postsecondary education -- Tonga.; Educational innovations -- Tonga.; Vocational education -- Tonga.
Description: Tonga has undergone complex changes in the last three decades. Disturbing numbers of young Tongans have inadequate knowledge in traditional science and technology, ill equipped to work in, contribute to and profit from our society. In short, they lack sufficient background knowledge to acquire the training, skills and understanding that are needed in the 21st Century. The purpose of this research is to assist the formulation of national science and technology curriculum. Hence, views of life in Tonga and opinions about Tonga's needs held by three stakeholder groups (traditional, workplaces, public) were paramount in this study. How these stakeholders see Tonga in terms of science and technology needs will contribute substantially to the Ministry of Education's decisions for this century.The study produced findings under these categories: understanding of traditional knowledge and skills needed to preserve Tongan cultural identity; understanding needed for fishing, handicrafts and everyday maintenance, together with essential health knowledge and skills; and required understanding of public information campaigns related to health, domestic goods, drugs and environment that contribute to responsible citizenship. The study identified personal qualities, safety policies, market, management and budget skills required for national development. These STL knowledge and skills are translated to an appropriate Model for Tonga Science and Technology Curriculum. The thesis concludes with proposition for reorganization of science and technology curriculum: establishment of two streams: an academic stream for university preparation and vocational stream for workplace and citizenship preparation; and establishment of two purpose-built programs: community involvement and workplace apprenticeship for all students.Based on critical evaluation of international literature and how scientific and technological literacy (STL) is crucial to Tongan society, a model 'TAP-STL' is established as study framework: 'TAP' for t&barbelow;raditional, a&barbelow;cademic and p&barbelow;ublic STL, to promote national development. This qualitative case study employs an interview method to collect data from twelve knowledgeable participants selected by reputational sampling from across the kingdom. By exploring their understanding of STL requirements, the study sought to identify any shortfall between the science and technology provided in school and that needed for maintenance of traditional culture, effective participation in Tonga's workplaces and public understanding.
Notes: Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Toronto, 2005.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 66-06, Section: A, page: 2159.