NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1447996
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Nov
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1935-9772
EISSN: EISSN-1935-9780
Does Religiosity Play a Role in Anatomy Learning? Perspectives from Pasifika Students at the University of Otago
Ilaisaane Foli Fakapulia; Willie Solomona Time; Genevieve TuiSamoa; Latika Samalia; Erik Wibowo
Anatomical Sciences Education, v17 n8 p1537-1543 2024
Religion is an important aspect in Pacific cultures and may influence how Pasifika students learn anatomy. Traditional constructs in Pacific cultures, such as "tapu" (forbidden/taboo) and sacred relationships, and/or Christian values are where spirituality is most commonly perceived among Pacific people. Although Pacific people are not homogenous, tapu is a concept that permeates all of Pacific cultures. Understanding the significance of tapu in Pacific communities will help govern relationships and interactions between male and female students/educators, as well as between the dead (e.g., body donors) and the living (e.g., students/educators). In Pacific communities, breaching tapu can lead to serious repercussions, thus strict adherence to cultural practices is important. Institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand, however, are governed by Western processes and values which are often incompatible with Pasifika worldviews and values. Pacific values, including in education, are holistic in understanding and action, and considers not only the physical but the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. The lack of cultural competency and responsiveness from universities continues to be a barrier for Pasifika learners. Supportive action from educators requires appreciation and understanding of Pacific values and practices. Throughout this article, we discuss Pacific perspectives on how religiosity plays a role in anatomy learning for Pasifika students. Key topics discussed here include the Bible, "tapu" (sacred/taboo), "tulou" (permission/excuse), "va tapu'ia" (sacred relationship), nudity, organ donation, and perspectives on working with deceased human bodies. Given the increasing number of Pasifika students enrolled in universities across Aotearoa New Zealand, education institutions should be more culturally-responsive to Pasifika students' needs to enhance their academic success in anatomy education.
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2191/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand; Samoa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A