The second of Ara Institute of Canterbury’s ‘kick-off’
series was presented this afternoon. The session follows on well, from the keynote
from Wednesday with Melanie Taite-Pitama.
In today’s session, Heperi Harris focuses on “Whakatoikia te
Matauranga -embedding kaupapa and matauranga maori into delivery – and how to
make it meaningful”.
Heperi set the context, shared his experiences and used
these to underpin his presentation.
Began with the context of education as a site of ‘struggle’.
Then summarised the value of Maori succeeding as Maori; and the challenge of
integrating the framework of Maori achievement.
Provided an historical overview of the struggle to attain
equal status of Te Reo Maori to English in Aotearoa New Zealand. Improving the
outcomes for Maori also leads to better outcomes across all of NZ society. Outlines
the many challenges including unconscious bias which deeply influences teachers
and leads to decisions being made based on stereotypes; low expectations of
Maori; and then many challenges faced by Maori in a mono-cultural world –
including personal, social, cultural and academic.
Treaty obligations and government funding/strategy
requirements are only part of the need to achieve equity for all.
There is a need to support Maori as demographics indicate
increase in Maori youth and an aging population of other NZers. Ara has high
Maori participation in comparison to their %age of population in Canterbury. Completion
rates are still lower.
What does success for Maori learners look like? High expectations, culturally responsive teaching (CRT), whanau (family/other supporters) engagement support Maori succeeding as Maori.
Stressed the importance of relationship building and enhancing students' sense of belonging - not only in physical spaces but also a sense of being part of the 'knowledge/curriculum' being presented and learnt. That Maori contribute and not always the 'done to' is an important concept to be integrated into all learning at Ara.
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