Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Responsiveness in an ILE
Innovative Learning Environments are complex ecosystems where 21 century pedagogy meets reality. There are some adventurists who have been brave enough to weather the "change", crazy captains so few to start, inspiring others to push head on into breakers. Many lessons learnt as the waves brake beneath the sturdy bow of the waka. Having the courage to stand up and challenge the tempestuous seas and boldly announce "peace be still". Richmond Schools journey was thwart with many waves breaking and reshaping mindsets, attitudes, beliefs and practises. It is fair to say, "we have boldly gone where no man has gone before"! I can say this with confidence due to the uniqueness of every school and the cultural capital that is gifted. The kete of our decile 1 Navigators are special and careful weaving of the harakeke must be made strong enough to slay the sun!
However there are some unified characteristics of ILE's: open and flexible approaches to learning and teaching, more facilitation style as opposed to teacher led, amplified practice through strategic leveraging of technologies, engaging and well planned content, personalised and differentiated learning, self regulated explorers, opportunities for powerful and engaging collaboration.
Whakataka te hau ki te uru Cease the winds from the west,
Whakataka te hau ki te tonga Cease the winds from the south
Kia makinakina ki uta Let the breeze blow over the land
Kia mataratara ki tai Let the breeze blow over the ocean
E hi ake ana te atakura Let the red tipped dawn come with a sharpened air
He tio, he huka, he hauhu A touch of frost, a promise of a glorious day.
Tihei Mauriora
ILE'S SLOW TAMANUI TE RA AND GIVE QUALITY TIME.
Gay (2001) defines culturally responsive pedagogy as “using the cultural characteristics, experiences and perspectives as conduits for effective teaching”. My belief is to understand the cultural characteristics, experiences and perspectives of students, one must first understand the lessons buried within our past. At the heart of all cultures lies a compelling fact, humans are storytelling creatures. We have been for thousands upon thousands of years, predating the advent of writing. Stories helped our ancestors pass on knowledge, share history, and create meaning in a world of randomness and chaos. For Maori all things have life, identify the mauri (life force) and acknowledge the whakapapa or "conduits" where learning has travelled and will continue to occur. Allow learners to see the picture of creation and show them that it is a foundation for them to proudly stand and be seen. Begin the relationship on the same foundation, teacher and student, help them make sense of their place in the universe and build!
Having time to "stand and be still" is as precious as water in the desert. It's the very reason Maui, a child, wanted to figure out how to slow the sun down through; Ka-ra-kia (which can actually be seen as self regulating and preparing to receive the light); weaving harakeke (playing with the many fibres of knowledge and technology); support of his brothers (teamwork, powerful collaboration); protecting themselves from the searing heat with clay (the morphing of research ideas into something concrete); a magic jawbone (knowledge of everything before him including mistakes); and creating more time for everyone (betterment of mankind), as a gift!
We often hear cliches like "life long learner", "21 century skills", "preparing children for jobs that don't yet exist", focused forward thinking. While attending a hui on Mana Enhancement a reflecting comment focused on "the lessons foretold by our tipuna". A gentle kick in the ribs for me to realise Maori future is blueprinted in our past. "Maori time" is often remembered as, "turn up when you're ready bro". Actually it does away with the linear time and encompasses past, present and future. Wananga would be the best way to describe it when mind, soul, heart and puku align and there is a resounding aha moment.The story of Maui is the blueprint for our tamariki. Maori Atua are characteristics of virtue to exist.
Maui has taught us "if you are not challenged then you will not change!" It breaks my heart when I see learners especially Maori not see the potential that is given through the leveraging of technologies and Innovative practices. What supports are needed? Pumanawa (fostering natural talents and strengths), Tumanako (attending to aspirations), Whakamana (empower), Aroha (compassion, empathy, love), Tautoko (appropriate, timely support), Manaki (taking care of physical, mental, spiritual, social needs), Whakapapa (More than just family and whanau. In a learning context its understanding the journey, narrative of all learning paths and how they bring forth the light!), Whanaungatanga (establishing relationships, belonging, collaboration on another level)
We often hear cliches like "life long learner", "21 century skills", "preparing children for jobs that don't yet exist", focused forward thinking. While attending a hui on Mana Enhancement a reflecting comment focused on "the lessons foretold by our tipuna". A gentle kick in the ribs for me to realise Maori future is blueprinted in our past. "Maori time" is often remembered as, "turn up when you're ready bro". Actually it does away with the linear time and encompasses past, present and future. Wananga would be the best way to describe it when mind, soul, heart and puku align and there is a resounding aha moment.The story of Maui is the blueprint for our tamariki. Maori Atua are characteristics of virtue to exist.
Maui has taught us "if you are not challenged then you will not change!" It breaks my heart when I see learners especially Maori not see the potential that is given through the leveraging of technologies and Innovative practices. What supports are needed? Pumanawa (fostering natural talents and strengths), Tumanako (attending to aspirations), Whakamana (empower), Aroha (compassion, empathy, love), Tautoko (appropriate, timely support), Manaki (taking care of physical, mental, spiritual, social needs), Whakapapa (More than just family and whanau. In a learning context its understanding the journey, narrative of all learning paths and how they bring forth the light!), Whanaungatanga (establishing relationships, belonging, collaboration on another level)
Through the rapid expansion and ongoing mishmash of differing types of media forms we have available tools to tell stories in new and creative ways. Our kids are no longer confined to the written word on a page tucked away in books. App smashing, garage banding, interactive creations, video feeds, international feedback, virtual and augmented reality, authentic opportunities......GIVE OUR KIDS A VOICE! With the flexibility of our environments teachers, LISTEN, SEE, HEAR what the walls have to say.
References
Edtalks. (2012, September 23). A culturally responsive pedagogy of relations. [video file].Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/49992994
Teaching Tolerance. ( 2010, Jun 17).Introduction to Culturally Relevant Pedagogy.[video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGTVjJuRaZ8
