Relationships between teachers and students and between parents and teachers are often an impediment to good educational outcomes. (R. Bishop, M Berryman, C. Richardson, 2001)
So how does the school ensure its vision, mission and core values reflect cultural responsiveness?
In my practice as an art teacher in a rural, predominately Maori low decile school I believe the vision, mission and values work well in my teaching. Every morning as a whanau class we start our day with a karakia (prayer) our school motto and mission statement. This is a reminder for students that it determines the schools direction and reminds us what makes us successful. School wide success for akonga are affirmed through Te Reo O Ngati Porou as well as its culture and identity. The use of our Iwi, Marae, Hapu, Maunga and Moana are taught across the curriculum. It is strengthened in waiata, kapa haka and korero. Our local kaumatua share their knowledge through wananga and at school events.
What I would like to improve on is planning and assessment analysis of Year 9 and 10 data to provide more reliable information about how to modify my teaching practice, classroom programmes and learning pathways in response to students identified strengths and needs. I suppose we have already made a start as stated in my previous blog about implementing Teaching as Inquiry/ Inquiry Based Learning. Our senior syndicates’ goal this year is to look at improving understanding of IBL as teaching staff and the skills needed to develop these skills with our students. This will in turn answer the question- How do you use meaningful instructions that link to the students’ prior experience/backgrounds?
Reference:
Bishop, R., Berryman, M., and Richardson, C. (2001) Te Toi Huarewa. Effective Teaching and Learning Strategies. Wellington: Ministry of Education
Ki Ora Helena,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog post. Your structure was clear and really aligned nicely to the task requirements. I love the idea of starting off every morning with a karakia - just fabulous for your wonderful students to celebrate all things Maori and gives them a feeling of belonging. Keep up the great work.
PS - I am Ngati Porou also :)
Kia ora I am Ngati Porou lol. Thank you for your comments. I just think as Ngati Porou it is a great way to start our day and it keeps reminding both the students and I why we are here. Our motto is "Whakapono Ki a Koe- Believe in yourself" This entails encompassing all things Maori and yes giving them a sense of belonging. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteKia ora Helena. I enjoyed the way you described the purpose of having 'karakia' in the morning. The ongoing challenges to uphold the spirit of this practice throughout the day is an area that I am currently looking to improve on in my class and when working with other groups; sports or kapa haka. Certainly I see the use of waiata and even curriculum subjects as positive ways to strengthening the 'mission statement' or students purpose in regard to the bigger picture. Tena koe.
ReplyDeleteKia Ora Taiarahia for your comment. I think that if we as teachers set positive boundaries, values and respect it is then the students will follow on. The students have that sense of belonging when they have a deeper understanding on what it is they are learning and why. Tena Koe Taiarahia.
ReplyDeleteAue thank you for your comment.
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