Te+Kotahitanga

Trevor Moeke explains what the term "Kotahitanga" means to him (posted on Youtube, Feb, 09, 2007).

What is Te Kotahitanga ?
The **Te Kotahitanga Project** was developed by **[|Russel Bishop]** and his team at Waikato University School of Education supported by the Ministry of Education's Maori in Mainstream Strategy ( Te Tere Auraki).The **Te Kotahitanga** research project set out to investigate how the achievement of year 9 and 10 Maori students could be improved. It involved entering into dialogue ( narratives of experiences) with students, their parents, teachers and principals and resulted in an 'effective teachers profile' and ideas about how to establish effective learning contexts.


 * The main conclusion was that the most important influence on Maori students was the in-class face-to-face relationships and interaction between the teachers and the Maori students**. 'Deficit theorizing' ( blaming school failure on the students and their backgrounds) and associated low expectations was seen as the major implements to Maori student achievement.


 * The key to improving student achievement was improving teacher pedagogical skill through focused professional development** that encouraged teachers to place students in non-confrontational authentic learning situations and for teachers to reflect on the teaching and to gain ongoing 'feedback' and support. In essence teachers were to be seen as learners themselves.

Here are a few articles/ links to consider while this site develops.
[|Min of Ed Summary] - [|Leading and Learning] article (Bruce Hammond) [|Scoop :] Te Kotahitanga results ...
 * Summary: || This research project sought to investigate how Year 9 and 10 Maori student achievement in mainstream schools could be improved. ||