Empowering PNG lecturers: Collaborative workshop drives quality education reform

A workshop to support teachers with implementing new strategies was found to be invaluable by Ms Carol Abiri Leo, a lecturer at Divine Word University’s St Benedict Campus.

The five-day workshop, held in Port Moresby was supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership through the Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program.

Together with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) experts, Ms Leo joined 30 other academics from Enga Innovative University, PNG Education Institute, Balimo Teachers College, Sacred Heart Teachers College and Divine Word University.

They reviewed course content on Social Science Education and Civics and Christian Values for the newly rolled-out Diploma in Teaching Primary (DITP) in-service program which was launched in 2024.

The diploma aims to improve the delivery of quality education for all PNG children by aligning their skills and qualifications with the Government of PNG’s new 1-6-6 structure, which comprises one year of preparatory schooling, six years of primary education and six years of secondary education.

“Getting all lecturers together promoted inclusiveness and allowed us to be involved in every stage of course design and curriculum writing. It really opened our eyes to new possibilities and gave us the confidence to review and strengthen our own programs,” Ms Leo said.

She said the workshop provided a platform for professional networking, lesson sharing and collective motivation to improve teacher education services in the country.

Ms Leo returned to her campus and integrated these approaches directly into her own lessons.  Her trainee teachers, now equipped with practical and student-focused skills, began to excel during their practical placements.

"Evidence highlights that in the two years we have engaged with PIE and QUT; lecturers’ professional capacity has been boosted.”

"The program actively encouraged collaboration and input from PNG lecturers, helping to shape a high-quality Diploma that equips early-grade teachers with the skills they need,” Ms Leo said.

The workshop supported the broader efforts to strengthen early-grade teaching and improve learning outcomes across PNG.

 

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From left to right, Professor Ann Farrell (QUT), Mrs Carol Abiri Leo (DWU), Professor Julie Davis (QUT), AHC Senior Program Manager Jonda Rahiria, Partnerships for Improving Education Teacher Upgrading Program Manager Simon Kaldi, and Dr Marie White (QUT).

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