This paper explores partnership initiatives to improve learning and teaching in Papua New Guinean universities. There is a well-recognised need for faculty strengthening in all of PNG’s universities but motivating academics can be difficult, especially when there are severe resource constraints. Previous efforts to provide academic and management support mostly have not endured. We argue that ‘twinning’ partnerships with overseas universities are a plausible intervention, as they tap into the motivation of academics to participate in ‘prestige economies’ and encourage sustainability.

Following a consideration of the context and potential strategies to improve learning and teaching, we present vignettes of the twinning partnerships being pursued at three PNG universities. We discuss the challenges experienced in establishing and managing institutional twinning and similar relationships and the conditions for sustainability. Finally, we outline other activities that may help to consolidate current improvements, to embed a focus on teaching quality rather than solely on curricula.

Jeanette Baird
Vice-President, Quality and Strategic Planning, Divine Word University, Papua New Guinea; Honorary Senior Fellow, LH Martin Institute, University of Melbourne Research Interests: tertiary education systems; higher education governance; quality assurance; transnational higher education; public sector management in developing countries.

Pamela Norman
Professor of Education and Vice President Academic, Divine Word University, Papua New Guinea
Research interests: academic policies; quality assurance of higher education programs; teacher education; promoting a research culture; educational partnerships.

Ora Renagi
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, PNG University of Technology, Papua New Guinea
Research Interests: higher education for STEM disciplines.

Jillian Thiele
Coordinator, Learning and Academic Support Centre, Pacific Adventist University, Papua New Guinea.
Research Interests: school education; education in PNG; literacy and numeracy; academic learning support.