Dr. Mohini Devi from the University of Fiji emphasizes the need to analyze the reasons why children struggle academically by considering the broader social context that encompasses family and community factors. During a recent discussion regarding the no-repeat policy in education, she highlighted the complex interplay of economic and social elements that affect student performance.

Dr. Devi pointed out that the psychological toll on children who are made to repeat grades, often due to circumstances beyond their control, hasn’t been adequately recognized by the educational framework in Fiji. She argued for a shift in educational policy that would involve creating strategies tailored to the diverse learning requirements of students. Dr. Devi suggested the development of methodologies that enable teachers to discern which students can learn independently and which ones require additional support right from the early stages of their education.

Stressing the importance of practical solutions over temporary fixes, she called for enhanced training for teachers that would equip them to identify learning challenges like dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Dr. Devi advocated for the establishment of scaffolding support within classrooms, ensuring that all students have access to the necessary counseling and resources to thrive academically.

Her remarks are amplified by the ongoing discussions concerning Fiji’s no-repeat policy, which has been scrutinized following disheartening statistics regarding student performance, such as the Year Eight exam results where nearly half of the students did not pass. This policy has been criticized for promoting students regardless of efficiency, potentially leading to a significant gap in essential skills.

Both Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and education leaders, like Paula Manumanunitoga of the Fijian Teachers Association, have expressed the necessity of reassessing this policy. They argue that a reevaluation would better align educational practices with the unique needs of students, ensuring that all learners receive the foundational skills necessary for future success.

The collective push for reforms underscores an important realization within the educational sector: that adaptive measures aimed at addressing students’ varied learning speeds and challenges are vital. This dialogue not only highlights the need for increased parental engagement but is also a hopeful step towards fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment, dedicated to empowering every student to achieve their potential.

Summary: Dr. Mohini Devi emphasizes the significance of understanding the various factors impacting children’s academic performance, advocating for reforms that support diverse learning needs within the educational system. This conversation aligns with broader efforts to reassess the no-repeat policy in Fiji, reflecting a hopeful movement towards enhancing educational standards and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.