"You've Gotta Set a Precedent": Māori and Pacific voices on student success in higher education. Issue 2 (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mayeda, David Tokiharu; Keil, Moeata; Dutton, Hilary Dansey; Ofamo'Oni, I.-Futa-Helu
• Is Part Of: Alternative. Volume 10:Issue 2(2014)
• Page Start: 165
• Page End: 179
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: Māori -- Pacific -- indigenous -- higher education -- achievement motivation -- everyday colonialism; Indigenous peoples -- Periodicals; Maori (New Zealand people) -- Periodicals; 305.8005
• DOI: 10.1177/117718011401000206
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1177-1801

Abstract

A substantial body of literature has examined the challenges that indigenous students face in higher education. Across Aotearoa New Zealand, the indigenous Māori population is under-represented at the university level, as are ethnically diverse Pacific students who trace their ancestries to neighbouring Pacific nations. This study relies on focus group interviews with high-achieving Māori and Pacific students (N = 90) from a large New Zealand university. Using kaupapa Māori (theory and methodology grounded in a Māori world view) and Pacific research principles, the study identifies the social factors contributing to indigenous students' educational success. Three broad themes emerged from discussions: family and university role modelling and support; indigenous teaching and learning practices; and resilient abilities to cope with everyday colonialism and racism. A positive indigenous ethnic identity ties these themes together, ultimately serving as the steady factor driving Māori and Pacific students' achievement motivation.