Transforming Schooling and Education: Connecting the Words With Music

• In Event: Kumu ’Ula’ula: Who Are We and Where Are We Heading?

Abstract

This presentation argues that there is a need to more fully understand the need to effectively transform Maori educational experience of schooling and education. That is, there is a need to transform the processes of schooling as well as ensure that the outcomes of schooling are transforming. It is argued that this is the basis of a Kaupapa Maori approach, but in many instances Kaupapa Maori is not fully understood, sometimes distorted and often detrimentally applied within different parts of the system.
If the current catchphrase of the Maori Education Strategy (‘Maori enjoying education success as Maori’) is to be effective then there needs to be some common understandings in relation to the underlying rationale (theory) which can achieve this.

Author

• Graham H. Smith, Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi