22 May 2017

New learning methods a boost for Tokelau students

5:42 am on 22 May 2017
Young boys from Auckland region performing their Fatele.

Young Tokelauans in New Zealand Photo: RNZI

An education expert from New Zealand says Tokelau children's language and maths skills are improving after a change in teaching style on the atolls.

An Education Review Office report in 2013 found the models, materials and assessment methods on Tokelau harked back to the 1960s and the New Zealand Institute of Education has been working with Tokelau to help modernise the system.

The project leader, Diane Leggett, said Tokelau's three schools embraced more collaborative learning.

"We found that by consulting them, working alongside them that the teachers really have come on board. They really wanted to make changes and they're excited by it."

Diane Leggett, said since the project began in 2014 internet access had become easier and costs had come down.

And she said students had become savvy at using computers.

"They are stored in air conditioned rooms but the humidity gets to them over time so computers don't last anywhere near as long over in Tokelauas they do here. Computers are budgeted for but they can't bring in the number that are needed," she said.

Diane Leggett is encouraging people to donate computers to the atolls.