This research focused on the participation patterns of Pacific students in tertiary education and barriers to their participation. It has three parts: a literature review on the experiences of Pacific tertiary students; analysis of national data and information from tertiary education providers on their strategies for recruiting and retaining Pacific students; and interview-based information on the experiences of participants and those who didn't complete their studies or take part at all in tertiary education.
Methodology
The research questions established by the Ministry were addressed by a range of research activities utilising both qualitative and quantitative data sources:
- Identification and analysis of previous research and writing on the topic of Pacific students access to, participation in and experiences of tertiary education.
- Analysis of present participation patterns nationally and in a selection of key tertiary institutions. The quantitative data collated has been analysed for total distributions and for statistical significance nationally, across and within institutions. Results from this data analysis is presented in graph form.
- Survey of tertiary institutions' present policies, programmes and strategies aimed at recruiting and retaining Pacific students.
- Interviews with key informants in selected TEIs and PTEs, with experience in recruiting, supporting and retaining Pacific students.
- Interviews with Pacific students who have participated in tertiary programmes and who did complete their studies.
- Interviews with Pacific students who have participated in tertiary programmes, but did not complete their studies.
- Interviews with non-participants.
- Interviews with Pacific community members (including families of potential students).
All data from individual and group interviews was recorded, transcribed and analysed using conventional qualitative data analysis and the NUDIST software package. All individuals were given acronyms and full confidentiality was assured. This was stipulated in the ethics approval for the project provided by the University of Auckland Human Subjects Research Committee.
The final draft report was circulated for comments to all key persons (16) from Part B, and individual interviewees (30) from Part C, and comments noted before the report was finalised.