Research on the connection between multilingual assessments and their effect on student academic performance is scarce. Educational Assessment and Evaluation Specialist Anaseini Raivoce made this statement during the global literacy and numeracy celebrations at the Pacific Community (SPC) branch in Nabua, Suva, yesterday.
Raivoce emphasized that while there is a lack of regional research, some global studies have been conducted on multilingual assessment. She highlighted this topic as a potential focus area for the Educational Quality and Assessment Program (EQAP) in terms of determining whether learning in one’s native language can enhance literacy rates.
EQAP operates under the SPC, also known as the Pacific Community. Raivoce noted the importance of communication, suggesting that understanding the connection between languages could guide educational strategies. Currently, the region primarily emphasizes English as a second language.
She added that studies indicate starting with a native language can effectively support learning additional languages. However, she pointed out that most assessments in the region are in English, which poses a challenge.
Raivoce suggested that Fiji could benefit from adopting best practices from countries with higher literacy rates. She believes that comparing educational strategies could help address Fiji’s literacy challenges.
“It’s beneficial to share information with more literate countries to explore what practices yield success and how we might adapt those for our own context,” she explained. “Understanding how to use this information effectively is crucial for improving student outcomes.”
Furthermore, she noted that literacy is a skill developed beyond the school environment and continues into adulthood. The interplay between literacy, competency, and communication is significant, with language serving as a vital medium for practical application.
In the Pacific, the 27 SPC member countries each have their own national languages, which often differ but serve the same purpose of facilitating communication. Raivoce remarked that these languages have been in use long before the establishment of formal education systems.