KA HIKITIA

Knowing Our Learner: Culturally Responsive Curriculum

Kiri RuaSchool 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 NZCFoundations of curriculum decision makingThe 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 PedagogyTeacher actions promoting student

learningCreating 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.