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The Transformative Role Of Iwi Knowledge

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The Transformative Role Of Iwi Knowledge

The Transformative Role of Iwi Knowledge and Genealogy in Māori Student Success

Abstract

  • Iwi (tribal) knowledge systems hold narratives about the past, present, and future.

  • These narratives prioritize distinct languages, worldviews, teachings, and technologies.

  • Education can use the achievements of ancestors to empower Māori students, countering stereotype threat.

  • The Ka Awatea Project examined Māori student success through an iwi lens, emphasizing local history and icons.

  • Prioritizing iwi knowledge supports educational transformation and reform in local high schools.

Introduction

  • English-medium schools often do not recognize Māori perspectives or ancestors as role models.

  • Māori view themselves as descendants of great thinkers, with an emphasis on strengths over deficits.

  • There is a strong cultural emphasis on education as a means to uplift the community and fulfill aspirations.

  • Successful education must respect Māori identities and encourage contextual learning.

Māori Student Success

Connection Between Identity and Achievement

  • Strong positive Māori identity correlates with better educational outcomes.

  • Positive Māori identity encompasses self-identification, cultural proficiency, and community binding (whānau, hapū, iwi).

  • The notion of whakapapa (genealogy) is crucial for identity formation and belonging.

  • Social connectedness can lead to better academic functioning and resilience in adverse circumstances.

Current Educational Statistics and Gaps

  • Despite improvements, gaps in achievement persist between Māori and non-Māori students.

  • For instance, NCEA Level 2 achievement for Māori in 2015 was 62.2% compared to 90.6% for Asian and 83% for European students.

  • Māori students participate less in standardized assessments compared to peers.

Educational Strategies and Initiatives

Ka Hikitia Strategy

  • Focused on enhancing Māori educational success and incorporating Māori identity, language, and culture in schools.

  • Key actions include engaging teaching approaches, setting high expectations, and strengthening whānau-community-school partnerships.

  • Recommendations have emerged for better understanding of Māori success through cultural frameworks and data collection.

Te Kotahitanga and He Kākano Initiatives

  • Te Kotahitanga emphasizes power-sharing and cultural responsiveness in schools.

  • He Kākano develops culturally responsive leadership practices aimed at improving outcomes for Māori learners.

  • The Starpath project revealed persistent differences in educational success linked to socioeconomic backgrounds.

  • Kia Eke Panuku focuses on using data to promote positive changes within educational settings.

Conditions Required for Māori Student Success

Mana: Five Key Themes

  • Mana Whānau: Importance of supportive family structures that prioritize education and learning.

  • Mana Motuhake: Developing a strong sense of identity through cultural proficiency and connection to ancestry.

  • Mana Tū: Instilling resilience, courage, and a positive self-image in Māori students.

  • Mana Ūkaipo: Emphasizing the importance of place and belonging in educational contexts.

  • Mana Tangatarua: Navigating multiple identities effectively within different cultural settings.

Role of Iwi Knowledge and Historical Icons

Significance of Te Arawa Icons

  • Historical exemplars serve as role models for current students and are linked to specific characteristics of success.

  • The qualities derived from the past provide insight into contemporary paths of achievement.

  • Key qualities include identity, tenacity, scholarship, relationships, innovation, humility, and well-being.

Educational Transformation Initiatives

Iwi-Led Programs

  • Te Rangihakahaka and Matakōkiri initiatives focus on integrating iwi knowledge into educational practices.

  • These programs include professional development for teachers and culturally relevant learning opportunities for students.

  • Place-Based Learning (PBL) enhances connections between education and local cultural contexts, fostering community involvement.

Conclusion

  • Positive Māori identity is essential for students’ educational success and social engagement.

  • Collective responsibility from whānau, schools, and communities is necessary for nurturing Māori learners.

  • The development of mana tangata emphasizes both individual potential and contributions to the collective well-being.

  • Engagement of iwi in educational contexts is crucial for affirming and embedding Māori cultural identities.