Dr Melinda Webber Māori Perspectives of Giftedness
Ūkaipō - to be fed by the breast at night, it’s symbolic meaning looking to nourish the relationship between land and people in order to develop sense of where one comes from, students should feel this at school and in class.
As educators we need to ask ourselves. What does this look like? How can we measure this? We must remember that identity matters. We must celebrate the whakapapa of our students- the curriculum should be localised. We need to arm students with their narrative of where they come from and celebrate their goals. It is important that we hold Maori ancestors up to students as exceptional role models.
Stereotype Threat (Steels, 1997) is where people around you don’t expect you to succeed as much as other people; resulting in negative stereotypes, This influences academic performance and as a result students risk becoming that stereotype. Māori students need access to a programme of learning that affirms and promotes Māori theories, Māori knowledge, Māori heroes/role models and Māori worldview.
We need to remember the importance of role models: Ask students who inspire them? Who are their role models. Ask students to describe them in so many words and why?
We need to consider - How to make the playing field more level?
Te Arawa Case study looked to address the question: In what ways do whanau, teachers and the wider Te Arawa community foster conditions that enable success to manifest?
Results: Qualities of success
- Positive sense of Māori identify - resilient to negative stereotypes, some knowledge of language and protocols to successfully contribute/participate in Māori contexts, connection to land and place (genealogy).
- Successful Māori student are diligent and have an internal locus of control - disciplined, self-motivated, attentive, focused
- Successful Māori students learn how to nurture strong relationships - willing to learn, willing to mentor, aware of own strengths and weaknesses. Manaakitanga - cherish mana
- Successful Māori students are curious and innovative - courageous, competitive, curious, creative
- Successful Māori students look after their wellbeing - healthy, fit, resourceful, balanced
- Successful Māori students are committed to advancing their own knowledge. They are scholars who know where they want to go and persevere to achieve their goals - an intrinsic desire to learn and an innate curiosity
- Successful Māori students possess humility - puts others before self, accept criticism, work in service to others, team player
- Successful Māori students understand core Māori values - manaakitanga (care others), kotahitanga (ability commit to a kaupapa/vision), wairuatanga (moral compass and sense of social justice)
Reflection
What will you do in your classroom to grow the mana of your students?
