Title: Introduction of directions Vol. 27, no.1 : a compilation of selected papers at University of the South Pacific language policies in education workshop

Abstract: Dr Mugler introduces the USP workshop on language policies in education, at which the papers included in this issue were presented, and goes on to give an overview of the linguistic situation in the Pacific.

Title: The Fiji form 7 perscription and the language needs of first year tertiary students

Abstract: This article is based on a study of how well students in Fiji are prepared by the Form 7 English Prescription to cope with the English language skills required in their first year at the University of the South Pacific (USP). It includes an analysis of the four major language skills in the Prescription and in the English for Academic Purposes course at USP. The views of several high school teachers and USP lecturers from different departments were also sought. Both the Form 7 and the USP students surveyed, although acknowledging certain difficulties, rate their ability in writing, reading, speaking and listening quite high. Teachers and lecturers are less positive, citing many problems they see in their students’ work. Although the Form 7 prescription does introduce students to the language skills that will help them in their first year at university, there seems to be a need to expand sections most relevant at the tertiary level. There are opportunities for teachers to create innovative strategies using material within the prescription to offer their students more challenging tasks.

Title: The language context of pacific countries: a summary

Abstract: [ Abstract not available ]