Papua New Guinea: Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) Conversion Degree Project, AusAID, 2002 - 04

The PNG Government identified a need to strengthen its Elementary Teacher Training Program by training a group of teachers in the Early Childhood sector. Through PATTAF, it was agreed that a conversion degree would be delivered to train a target group of PNG teachers in Early Childhood teaching methods. The aim was to provide the teachers with the skills necessary to train other PNG teachers and also strengthen the cohort to take up senior management roles within the Education Sector in PNG.

A cohort of 40 participants commenced the program; 36 graduated with a University of South Australia degree in Early Childhood education. The target group was selected primarily from the Elementary Unit (PNGEI). Participants represented all Provinces and included Provincial Elementary Coordinators and District-Based Elementary Trainers. The course duration was one year full-time equivalent, taught over 2 years in mixed mode, combining external delivery with self-directed study, intensive workshops and supervised support.

World Wide and the University of South Australia worked on providing the academic, logistical and in-country tutorial support for the delivery of a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) Conversion Degree. The services provided included:

  • A full time program manager, qualified in Early Childhood teaching;
  • Supporting students through tutorial support, management of assignments and liaison with Department of Education;
  • Twice-yearly workshops and seminars in PNG, including the logistics of ongoing venues, support / learning materials, local transport, security and course evaluations;
  • Liaising with the Department of Education to include authentic case studies for the teacher-training and focusing the course onto the professional needs of PNG teachers and education managers;
  • Conducting joint QA, monitoring course delivery, tutorial assistance, welfare and student progress; and,
  • Management of the in-country degree graduation ceremony.