A dead end to a new beginning: Professional upgrading via distance learning for primary teachers in the Pacific region

Abstract

The paper details an educational initiative introduced by the premier tertiary institution in the Pacific region, namely The University of the South Pacific to provide professional upgrading opportunities for the Regional primary teachers. Prior to the initiative, it was a dead end for most of the primary teachers after their initial training in the teachers’ colleges. The paper also provides useful and helpful insights about the case of primary teacher education and training in the Pacific region and the rationale for the introduction of the Bachelor of Education (Primary) in- service degree programme via distance learning. The paper concludes by shedding light on the University’s role and challenges in terms of providing an equitable and accessible degree programme for primary teachers in the Pacific region. Added to that, the paper draws relevant implications for tertiary education providers in other jurisdictions having to serve in similar geographical area with dispersed student population.