KA HIKITIA Knowing Our Learner: Culturally Responsive Curriculum Kiri Rua School Support Services University of Waikato Trident School, 15/10/2010

Inquiry Question What is culturally responsive curriculum and why is knowing our learner important?

Outcome We will consider how culture counts in our curriculum decision-making and for student achievement.

Knowledge of the Learner Ko wai? No hea?

Knowledge of the Learner How might we use this knowledge of the learner to inform our curriculum decisions?

The Principles of NZC Foundations of curriculum decision making The curriculum reflects NZ’s cultural diversity and values the histories and traditions of all its people ensures that students’ identities, languages, abilities and talents are recognised and affirmed and that their learning needs are addressed has meaning for students, connects with their wider lives

Māori students are more likely to achieve when they see themselves, their Whānau, hapu and iwi reflected in the teaching content and learning environment.

CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE (little c) CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE (BIG C) What opportunities do I provide for my students to bring who they are to the learning context, their “cultural tool kit”? What opportunities do I provide for my students to see and hear aspects of their culture in their learning environment? Trident High School, 15/11/2010

What can your Māori students expect to see/hear/feel in your classroom that provides them the space to bring themselves to your teaching content and your learning environment?

Effective Pedagogy Teacher actions promoting student learning Creating a supportive learning environment Students learn best when they feel accepted, when they enjoy positive relationships with their fellow students and teachers and when they are able to be visible, active members of the learning community... Effective teachers attend to the cultural and linguistic diversity of all their students.

The Culture of the child cannot enter the classroom unless it has first entered the consciousness of the teacher.