Kāhui Ako ki Orewa

Friday 22 November 2019

Rāmere, 22 o Whiringa-ā-rangi 2019

In this week’s update:

1. Rōpū Pāngarau/ Maths: Digital readiness and tuakana-teina
2. Te Reo Me Tikanga Māori: Collaboration across our kāhui
3. Tuhituhi/ Writing: Digital literacy and key competencies
4. Rōpū Taunaki Ako/ Learning Support: Classroom messages
5. Pānui ngaio/ Professional Reading: How do we crush self-doubt in creativity?
6. Video: Your elusive creative genius

1. Rōpū Pāngarau/ Maths Group

A number of us attended professional development held at Wainui School on Thursday. It was geared to give us greater understanding of the digital curriculum for 2020. The goal was to discover more fun and exciting ways to unpack and integrate the new content using authentic contexts into our local curriculum. We experienced a range of activities to take away and use across learning areas and levels. We learnt how we can save time and grow our skills with confidence as we integrate digital skills into all curriculum areas.

Annie Davis and Linda Rubens visited Silverdale School with 16 year 9 Orewa College students. We were warmly welcomed into Laura Webster’s class. This was another example of tuakana-teina and it is amazing to see how well students work with other students. The goal is for the college and primary school students to co-construct anchor charts for writing. We observed as they got themselves into smaller working groups and started the activities, with just about full engagement. At this early stage we can see potential for this reciprocal style of learning.

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2. Te Reo Me Tikanga Māori

Over the past week there have been a number of collaborations across the Orewa Kāhui Ako in the area of te ao Māori.

Cultural Exchange:

Last week, a group of Silverdale School tamariki travelled to Hukerenui School a rural kura located 30mins north of Whangārei for an overnight cultural exchange. The trip was only made possible through the use of Orewa College’s minibuses as a result of relationships established by way of the Orewa Kāhui Ako. Hukerenui School welcomed Silverdale with a pōhiri and a hangi. Kai was shared, relationships fostered and waiata sung into the night. We hope that this will open up similar opportunities for other kura to explore.

Hui at Orewa College:

Māori leaders from across our kura met at Orewa College this week to plan collaboratively for 2020. Together an overview was created and a set of lessons established for kura and kaiako who wish to use them. The idea is to remove the barriers that may stand in the way of kaiako feeling able to deliver the Māori curriculum. We are working on a set of scaffolded lessons presented on slideshows that kaiako can easily use regardless of confidence or ability.

3. Tuhituhi/ Writing – Digital fluency vs Digital literacy

Digital fluency vs Digital literacy

Digital literacy and digital fluency describe students’ capability in using digital technologies to achieve desired learning outcomes.

Digital literacy – A digitally literate person knows how to use digital technologies and what to do with them.

Digital fluency – A digitally fluent person can decide when to use specific digital technologies to achieve their desired outcome. They can articulate why the tools they are using will provide their desired outcome.

A digitally fluent student:

• knows where and how to find and access information quickly and accurately
• can critique the relevance and accuracy of information being accessed
• is an adept producer of digital content
• can recognise and use the most effective methods of reaching their intended audience
• understands and demonstrates how to use digital technologies responsibly including digital security (self-protection), copyright.

NZC Values and Digital Literacy – National Library

The active teaching of digital literacy and citizenship across a school’s curriculum assists these values to be visible in students’ learning, behaviours and interactions. In particular:

Digital literacy

• enhances students’ abilities to be curious and conduct inquiry in digital environments. Innovation in using and creating digital content in meaningful ways is also strengthened.
• The internet enables limitless access to information about diverse peoples, cultures, and heritages. Digital literacy and citizenship underpin the ability to explore, make sense of, and be sensitive to this.
• Equity of access to digital devices and the internet is now imperative for many learning opportunities. Schools, and in particular school libraries, can be essential agents in ensuring all students have this.
• The internet enables students to connect with local, national, and global communities. Digital literacy skills can empower students to participate in considered and meaningful ways.
• Integrity is about “being honest, responsible, and accountable and acting ethically.” Integrity and respect for ‘’themselves, others, and human rights” are foundations of digital citizenship.

The essential elements of digital literacies: Doug Belshaw at TEDxWarwick

4. Rōpū Taunaki Ako/ Learning Support Group

We all like to start the year off with positivity, energy, enthusiasm and a feeling of belonging. Our classroom walls can be a place to make our environment inclusive and positive. Our well-being is an important area of our lives which we often forget to look after as teachers and students. Use some of the following mini posters on your walls to enhance your classroom environment, or find others which are appealing.

 

5. Pānui ngaio/ Professional Reading:

“On some level, I realise that self-doubt is a natural stage in any work. I was doubtful as a writer and eventually, I found my voice and got past the doubt. I was doubtful as a teacher and, over time, I grew into self-confidence. Self-doubt is a part of doing something really difficult that you care about deeply.

And yet . . .

Self-doubt can crush confidence. I spent years hiding my art because I was way too doubtful of myself. I’ve given up on projects that seemed challenging because I wasn’t confident in my ability to master a skill. I see the same trend with my students. Teaching is an inherently creative act but some of my students really struggle with self-doubt. They have a vision of what student-centered teaching might look like but they are reluctant to take the leap” : Full article here

6. Video: Your elusive creative genius

In this 2009 Ted Talk, Elizabeth Gilbert looks at the fears and the “suffering” inherent in creativity. And she questions why we assume that the creative process should be this angst-driven activity.

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