Blogpost #4 - Critical Reflection on my Journey so far...

TERM TWO 2021 - My Journey so far...

Inquiry Question: Can we make accelerated shifts in Literacy through teaching Identity and Cultural Competencies?

Have I used a range of sources to understand my students learning in a detailed way?

For my inquiry so far, I have used a range of sources to help me analyse and validate the students learning achievements to date. I have drawn upon summative assessments, a piece of formative assessments and learner voice. I have also had the opportunity to sit down and talanoa with the learners and their families in Term 1 for talanoa evening and more recently during our Tamariki Korero evening in Week 9. I know that a strong and positive relationship between the school and whanau plays a critical role in the learners' learning journey. 

Do I understand their strengths as much as I understand their areas for development?

I believe I have a sound understanding of my learners strengths and interests. Some students I know more of than others but that's due to lack of attendance. Something I did after my learner voice session with my learners was sit down with each student individually and talk to them more about what I could do more of as their teacher and also asked them questions such as: What would you like to learn more of? What sort of books do you enjoy reading, what writing genre should R11 focus on? What can we learn about next term that relates to the key concept of CONNECTIONS (in identity)?

I am also aware of most of my learners cultural backgrounds and encourage them to speak their languages in class. I need to get my hands on more dual language books to have them read it aloud in class and to each other.

Through my inquiry I have come to realise just how important learner voice is and how crucial it is to have a positive relationship with my learners. I believe that gaining my students' trust enables them to open up more and feel relaxed and comfortable to share, Korero, Talanoa and express EVERYTHING they feel about themselves, their interests and anything that helps with their journey of learning.

Have I developed a strong profile of their achievement?

I have considered using both formative and summative pieces of assessments, have drawn upon both qualitative and quantitative data to 'paint a reliable picture' of my student profiles. Am I comfortable with the tools/measures I've chosen to develop my student profiles? I'd say probably not. But I believe it's providing me with a solid foundation of something I can continue to build on.

A next step would be - referring to a more culturally responsive measure other than Talanoa. Something of relevance and familiar to the student that allows them to connect with and express their cultural identity.

Measures that I am using pre/ post intervention?

- Talanoa Methodology - Daily conversations and story telling with my learners - providing an insight into their engagement and well-being.

- PAT Assessments

- Probe Assessment

- Arbs Assessment Tasks in Literacy

Reading: The importance of Teacher Student relationships for Maori and Pasifika students 

Blogpost #3 - Describe the tools/measures/approaches you plan to use...

Describe the tools/measures/approaches you plan to use to to get a more detailed and accurate profile of students learning in relation to that challenge. Justify why you chose these approaches and tools.

Tools:

• Google Form on Identity & Cultural Competencies shared to my class
• Inter-lead Self-Assessment and Student Voice tool. 
• All about the Learner Profile created by ME. 

Measures:

• Teacher Only Day Workshop Presentation - had students open up the workshop by sharing about themselves, their cultural background, their name and the story behind it. Attendees were highly engaged and provided feedback reinforcing the importance of IDENTITY.
• Student Attendance & Engagement
• Student Confidence
• Oral Language 

Approaches:

• Bus-stop activity using post-it notes by students and teachers.
• Target group - whole class
• Teaching through a Pasifika Lens

I chose these approaches and tools because student voice is what drives the learning at Glen Taylor School. This proves to be a good tool because learners love being involved with planning what they're learning. The best way to understand a student's preferred way of learning is to ask them (Causton - Theoharis, 2009) and to have them involved in the planning and assessment process of it all. 

"Often the student has the best ideas of how we might work with them, if we take time to reflect on what they might be trying to communicate."

Outreach teacher, project interview TKI, 2013 

Self-assessment is also important as it provides insight to teacher practice. It allows us to reflect and evaluate what is working, what can we do better, what can I change in my practice, to ensure we are catering to every learners' need. 

For the past 3 years, I have focused on Reading and Writing. It's helped me unpack my thinking and identify my what it really is I wanted to inquire about this year. I spoke briefly about implementing Talanoa and using Cultural competencies in past years, but I sit and ask myself now "Did I do it justice? Did I incorporate these Pasifika learning tools effectively? How can I measure it's effectiveness differently this year?

As a Y7&8 teacher, I want to ensure that my students leave GTS at the end of the year, confident in themselves, proud of who they are and embrace the richness in cultural knowledge they carry. I still find it difficult to match my Inquiry to a particular achievement challenge because my Inquiry is more than a curriculum focus. My Inquiry is to do with the knowledge captivated in each learners' story, held deep within that you need to be a 'special teacher' to unlock that taonga. 

Dr Rae Si'ilata stated at our Teacher Only Day at the end of Term 1 that "English can never translate the depth of our reo & talanoa" (2021). My inquiry encourages learners express themselves in their language, through their cultural lens and identity. If my learners Maths/Reading & Writing learning needs to be taught in a bi-lingual way for their understanding to enhance, I will endeavour to do so. It's important for the learners to make a connection before they can actually engage in the learning.