Optimising Maori Success and Potential - Dr Melinda Webber

Optimising Maori Success and Potential

Maori tamariki should know that they come from success too. The curriculum should be localised to learn about iwi history, whakapapa etc.

Stereotype Threat: Is the fear of confirming negative stereotypes about the group to which one belongs. Can influence academic progress, loss of interest, believing they are not smart enough to participate in particular subjects. Studies have shown that the students that are the most vulnerable to the Maori are not smart stereotype are actually the ones that care the most about their academic performance.

Change: Maori students and their whanau, hapu and iwi need to hear about maori educational performance and potential in ways that reject deficit theorising and low expectations. Maori students need access to programmes of learning that affirm and promote Maori theories, Maori knowledge, Maori heroes/role models and Maori worldview. To be normal and natural.
Understandings of what maori should be like is very much context influenced. Because that context demands different expectations from them - How can we make a positive environment that enables Maori tamariki to thrive at school.

How do Te Arawa define Maori student success?
In what ways do whanau, teachers and the wider Te Arawa community foster conditions that enable success to manifest?
How is mana enacted by Te Arawa students? To what effect?

The questions of role models (IMPORTANT) - Talk to kids about someone who inspires them? Why are they their role model? Ask them to describe that person in 5 words. You will be able to understand what is important and meaningful for that particular child and what they deem important for them.

What are the qualities of success? 

Quality 1: Successful Maori students have a positive sense of Maori identity. Often accompanied by academic efficacy - the belief that their belief leads to other peoples success. What they see on the TV is what they can achieve. I am successful because I am Maori. Strength of character, positive self-concept, knowledge of ones self, a strong will, boldness and a tendency to take risks. 
Must see the mana in every child. 

Quality 2: Successful Maori students are diligent and have an internal focus of control. Disciplined, self-motivated, attentive, focused. Asking questions, clarifying, confident, patience and commitment and a sacrifice of time and effort.

Quality 3: Successful Maori students learn how to nurture strong relationships. The ability to sustain relationships that are premised on a balance of assertiveness and warmth (manaaki - Cherish their mana) because this provides sustenance for the inner person. Encouraging, willing to learn from others, willing to mentor others, aware of own strength and weaknesses. Remember that feedback is a koha - it is a gift. To help, to be aware that they need help. They are willing to learn and are very aware of their own strengths and weaknesses.

Quality 4: Successful Maori students are curious and innovative. An enquiring mind which probes, draws conclusions and makes associations; an exploratory orientation that is exploited in social and academic activities. Courageous, competitive, curious, creative. Ask what does this look like in real life.

Quality 5: Successful Maori students look after their wellbeing. Attention to physical, spiritual and mental health needs that are needed to flourish at school, affirming the inexplicable link between wellness and learning. Healthy, fit, resourceful, balanced. Having school smarts is not enough, they need street smarts. Social identify is an academic identity to young people.

Quality 6: Successful Maori 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 aptitude for things scholarly and a commitment to excellence are evident. A intrinsic desire to learn and an innate curiosity. Can apply themselves, drive, purposeful, aspirational. Academic back planning - right from primary school. What do you need to reach the place you would like to do.
School matters, different hopes for their future is determined by what they do now. Where do you want to be in 5 years - in 10 years.

Quality 7: Successful Maori students possess humility. A quality which is often a cultural point of difference because it is about service to others, generosity of spirit and putting others before the self. Puts others before self, accept criticism, work in service to others, team player. There is a culturally appropriate way of being acknowledged. Being humble. You have to be humble in defeat and in glory.

Quality 8: Successful Maori students understand core Maori values. An ability to model the most meaningful qualities in Maori culture, portrayed by the way of aroha (love), manaaki (care) and wairua (spirituality). Application to school and work - Manaakitanga - ability to care and be hospitable, Kotahitanga - ability to commit to a kaupapa/vision, Wairuatanga - moral compass and sense of social justice.

The Mana model
The different types of mana that
Mana Tangatarua: The skills, knowledge and confidence to navigate success in tow or more words.
Mana Tu: Efficacy, courage, humility, tenacity and resilience.
Mana Motuhake: A positive Maori identify and a sense of embedded achievement.
Mana Ukaipo: Belonging and connection to place.
Mana Whanau: A belief that they occupy a central position of importance in their whanau whether it be at home or at school.