Engaging Pacific migrant workers in literacy, numeracy and financial literacy training: reflections on the research process

This report has a twofold purpose. First, it highlights teaching and learning practices, understandings and experiences that have impacted positively on a group of Pacific migrant workers who attended a pilot training programme named Vakameasina in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. In particular, those that promote and support learner engagement for improved learning and achievement in workplace literacy and numeracy programmes. Second, it provides a complementary critical appraisal of the research process itself. The 10 week English literacy, numeracy and financial literacy training programme was attended by 146 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers from Kiribati, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Tonga during their time in the Bay of Plenty region between 2009-2010.

The main findings revealed that a majority of learners believed the teachers were friendly, patient and understanding. Most learners achieved significant learning outcomes around improving their English, particularly through the use of computers which many participants had never used before. Most learners overwhelmingly believed the programme was useful and beneficial to them and their family and friends back home, and expressed a strong desire to continue their learning around English and using computers. However, well over a third of learners struggled with the timetabling of classes that were held after work when workers were too tired to fully participate. Limitations of the research process relate to selection of literature, difficulties with implementing the methodology, ethics, data management and access, a lack of 'hard' evidence, data analysis and specificity of outcomes, and the role of external project mentors.

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