Supporting ākonga Māori in writing
A report from the Curriculum Insights and Progress Study outlines teaching practices which uplift achievement in writing from ākonga Māori.
Ākonga Māori succeed in writing when six clear conditions are supported, finds a new report titled Pouārahi: Supporting ākonga Māori in writing.
The report draws on the Māori tradition of whakairo (carving), which is part of the whakapapa of Māori literacies. Key teaching practices are understood through the concept of pou, carved posts which support the whare whakairo, used as an analogy for the culturally embedded framework outlined in the model.
Read the latest print edition of School News online HERE.
The six pou are:
- Pou tuakiri: writing anchored in identity, whakapapa and culture.
- Pou whanaungatanga: creating strong, trusting relationships.
- Pou ako: clarity, structure, and high expectations in teaching practice.
- Pou aromatawai: using feedback and reflection to guide growth
- Pou reo ā-ākonga: uplifting student voice and choice.
- Pou tikanga ako: leadership and systems that underpin sustainable success.
- Each pou is illustrated with examples of classroom practice and guidance on adapting each strategy for different contexts.
The report draws on the experience of schools or kura where Māori learners experience strong success in writing. Researchers explored the classroom and kura or school practices that led to this success. Teachers and school leaders were interviewed about the approaches they took to build confidence, clarity and mana for student writing.
Related School News article: NZCER PAT tuhituhi | writing assessment now available.
The report is split into three sections. The first outlines the research methodology, the second outlines the findings and analysis that make up the six pou, and the third has examples of classroom practice for schools and educators to explore.
The full report and more findings and analyses from the Curriculum Insights and Progress Study are available on its website.
Related School News article: The Great New Zealand Handwriting Challenge.
