Faguele Suaalii
Doctor of Philosophy, (Education)
Study Completed: 2014
College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Citation
Thesis Title
Supports and barriers to achievement in secondary school chemistry: Exploring the teaching and learning of year 12 chemistry in Samoa
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Students’ achievement in senior secondary school science has been a concern in Samoa for a number of years. Mr Suaalii used a case study methodology (including, interviews, classroom observations, and samples of students’ work) to explore the teaching and learning processes that occur in three Year 12 chemistry classrooms in Samoa. He identified institutional and classroom factors, as well as Samoan cultural values, that acted as supports or barriers to students’ achievements. Urgent considerations of these factors is needed. Such consideration will assist the development of teaching and learning strategies to engage students in meaningful learning and enhance students’ understanding of concepts in science and its applications to real life situations.
Supervisors
Dr Alison St George
Associate Professor Peter Rawlins