Ako

Students and teachers reflect on the qualities of a teacher that makes a difference. (Extract from ‘Te ManaKōrero: Teachers making a difference’, 2002) .

It has been recognised that low expectations of Māori students along with some beliefs about how Māori learn can have an impact on how well these students perform. (Extract from ‘Te ManaKōrero: Teachers making a difference’, 2004).

One of the most significant partnerships for student achievement is that between teacher and student.

In light of the education system’s failure to address the needs of Māori students, educators need to learn how to engage those students more effectively, in all aspects of their learning.

The underlying premise of these clips is that educators need to have high expectations of Māori students.

The essence of these clips is that school leaders and teachers need to participate in professional learning and development that is specifically designed to increase their understanding of issues associated with Māori student engagement and achievement, so that educators can lift their capability in this area and work more effectively with Māori students.

The video clips for Te Mana Kōrero focus on the need to build, and sustain, strong and effective school-whānau partnerships, in order to raise Māori student achievement. Such partnerships are characterised by both parties respecting and valuing each other's perspectives and contributions.

This clip emphasises the powerful notion of teacher self-efficacy; that is, teachers believing they can make a difference and believing that they have the freedom to take action.

This video clip illustrates the importance of teachers involving students, so that they feel a part of the learning process.

This clip illustrates the courage of a teacher to be open to doing things differently.