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Divine Word University Hosts 10th Faculty of Education Research Symposium

The Divine Word University Faculty of Education hosted its 10th Research Symposium today at the Madang Campus under the theme, “Excellence in Education through Curriculum Development and Innovation – 30 Years and Beyond.”

The symposium brought together members of the Faculty of Education and the wider University community to engage in research, scholarly dialogue and discussions centred on curriculum development, innovation and the future of education.

Throughout the symposium, Faculty of Education students were given the opportunity to present findings from their research on a range of educational issues. Faculty lecturers also presented research findings during the symposium, contributing academic and professional perspectives to the discussions and providing further opportunities for scholarly exchange.

In his welcome remarks, Faculty of Education Dean, Professor Joseph Kekeya, highlighted the importance of continuously pursuing excellence in education through learning, reflection, research and innovation.

“Excellence in education is not a destination that we reach once and for all; it is an ongoing commitment to learning,” Professor Kekeya said.

He emphasised that achieving excellence requires reflection, enquiry, innovation and continuous improvement, particularly as educators respond to the evolving needs of learners and communities.

Professor Kekeya described the symposium as an important platform where research and educational practice come together, allowing ideas to be examined through scholarly dialogue and providing opportunities for innovation to emerge through collective engagement with the challenges and opportunities facing education.

Delivering the keynote address, DWU Director for Research and Higher Degrees, Dr. Madeline Lemeki, focused on the important roles of curriculum and educators in shaping quality education and preparing learners for the future.

“At the heart of every educational system are two vital elements: a curriculum that prepares learners for the future and motivated educators who bring that curriculum to life,” Dr. Lemeki said.

She emphasised that curriculum extends beyond units, subjects and assessments, describing it as a reflection of the kind of society we aspire to build.

“A curriculum is far more than units, subjects and assessments; it is a vision of the kind of society that we aspire to build. It reflects our values, our priorities and our future generations,” she said.

Present at the symposium as Guest Speaker was Rev. Dr. Jose Orathinkal, SVD, who highlighted the need for continued development and strengthening of the education system in Papua New Guinea.

He acknowledged the many opportunities available for Divine Word University to further contribute to education in the country and emphasised that research symposiums provide an important platform for generating ideas and guiding the way forward.

Rev. Dr. Orathinkal also encouraged Faculty of Education students to view their current research not as the end of their academic enquiry, but as a foundation for continued research and scholarly contribution in the field of education. He encouraged them to continue exploring educational issues, undertaking further research and contributing to academic and professional writing that can support the development of education in Papua New Guinea.

The 10th Faculty of Education Research Symposium reflects Divine Word University’s continued commitment to strengthening a culture of research, innovation and scholarly engagement within higher education.

Under this year’s theme, the symposium also provided an opportunity to reflect on the Faculty of Education’s journey while looking towards the future and considering how curriculum development, educational research and innovative practices can continue to contribute to excellence in education in Papua New Guinea and beyond.