Understanding the relationship between a secure cultural identity and school engagement

The attitudes and beliefs that kaiako hold consciously and unconsciously can be a significant factor leading to student engagement or disengagement at and from school, particularly among rangatahi Māori.

This webinar describes how ākonga often regarded as being ‘on the fringes’ experience school, and some of the consequences for them if they become disengaged, whether of their own determination or as a result of being stood-down, suspended, or excluded from school. It also explores how the reframing of kaiako perceptions of ākonga can be a powerful mechanism to shift the teacher/student dynamic to enhance rangatahi Māori engagement in education.

Drawing on cultural tools like pūrākau and whakataukī, and an understanding of the complex layers of identity-making, teachers can support rangatahi Māori to develop strong cultural identities to shift them from the fringes of the education system, to engage them more at school.