This book focuses on what it is like to be a young Maori person in a New Zealand secondary school classroom today. It presents and discusses narratives drawn from the voices of Maori secondary students, their whanau, principals and teachers. Whether you are a student, a parent, a principal or a teacher, this book will help you to examine your own explanations for the educational achievement of Maori students, and begin to develop effective responses to the challenges it raises. The book proposes strategies for teachers to increase their effectiveness in the teaching and learning of students from Maori and Pacific origins.
Although now a little old, it is certainly an eye opener for all teachers who not only teach NZ children and Maori students, but also any teacher who works in a multicultural classroom where a student voice of a minority is needed to be heard. Great to hear both sides of the story and an insight into the kids who open up and say how they feel.
This is the second time I have read this book. The first time a number of years ago it was a real eye opener. If you are an educator it really is a must read. Especially if you teach in New Zealand or with indigenous students anywhere around the world. Some really powerful messages and lessons are stored within the narratives. However in 2022 on the second read through it is a little dated....at least I would hope so. If there are educators thinking and behaving in some of the ways described in the narratives in this book then they should consider another profession. I would love to see a follow up book and research by the same team to see how (if at all) things have progressed.