Inquiry question
What were Leeana’s learning needs? What was her inquiry question?
“ My learning needs were around how to challenge an experienced, older colleague about aspects of her practice while remaining respectful of kaupapa MÄori.
During Wini’s workshop, a teacher commented on a mathematical idea related to a knowledge activity. The teacher said that year 8 students engaging with the idea would be working at an appropriate level. Wini did not respond at all.
I was very concerned because this was actually quite a low-level idea and Wini had not addressed the appropriateness of the level. I kept thinking about how I would have run the workshop and handled this situation.
However, I am much younger than Wini, so as I prepared to give feedback to her, I felt hesitant about challenging her as a pakeke (more senior person). I needed guidance and understanding in this situation where there appeared to be a conflict between kaupapa MÄori and my obligations as a professional educator. I realised that this tension must have also posed a dilemma for many younger MÄori inservice teacher educators in the past.
So my inquiry question became ‘How can I ensure my interactions with teachers and colleagues are professional and keep students’ needs to the fore while being true to kaupapa MÄori?’â€
How does this inquiry question relate to your practice?
Describe a recent interaction when you felt there was some conflict between kaupapa MÄori and what was required from you professionally.
What happened in this situation?
How did you respond?
Why did you act as you did?
How did your actions enable or hinder improved professional practice for those involved?
How do you know? What evidence do you have?
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