March 11, 2022
Uni teachers get cultural competency guide
The University of Canterbury believes a new resource will be a game-changer for tertiary education.
Ngā Hau e Whā o Tāwhirimātea: Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning for the Tertiary Sector, is published by Canterbury University Press as a free digital edition, with a book to follow.
It follows three Hikairo Scheme books published by the Council for Education Research covering early childhood, primary and secondary education.
Project lead Dr Matiu Ratima says the series builds on the work of the University of Waikato’s Kotahitanga programme, which proved to help teachers become culturally competent improves both Māori and non-Māori student achievement.
The tertiary guide provides suggestions for tertiary educators to try in the classroom, based on four values of manaakitanga – an ethic of care, whanaungatanga – relationships, kotahitanga – unity and rangatiratanga – student agency and leadership.