Virtual Learning Network

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• • Tessa Gray@tessa.gray

  

  Tessa Gray 1683 days ago

  If you enjoyed this interview with Sujata Rajagopal last year, you'll really like the Enabling e-Learning snapshot highlighting how, at Taita College (Lower Hutt), learning is authentic, future-focused, multidisciplinary, and culturally responsive.

  Taking the rich cultural diversity of their student cohort as a starting point for deep learning, school leaders have been integrating NCEA units around authentic cultural contexts, such as the cooking of food in a hāngī and umu (Māori and Pacific earth ovens).

  This integrated unit takes place in term 4 and involves all year 10 students. It offers the chance to earn multiple credits across a range of NCEA learning areas before moving to year 11. These included:

  Science:

  AS 90943: Investigate implications of heat for everyday life 

  Te Reo and Tikanga Māori:

  • AS91085: Whakarongo kia mōhio ki te reo o tōna ao
  • AS91086: Kōrero kia whakamahi i te reo o tōna ao
  • AS91089 Waihanga tuhinga i te reo o tōna ao

  Music

  AS91091 – Demonstrate ensemble skills through performing a piece of music as a member of a group

  Maths

  AS91030: Apply measurement in solving problem 

  Both motivating and inspiring, this integrated approach has resulted in:

  • Student engagement has increased across subjects.
  • Silos have broken down between learning departments – there is more collaboration between staff.
  • Students can make connections between NCEA learning areas traditionally seen as separate.
  • Whānau are more connected to student learning.
  • Students gain knowledge and skills from experts from Callaghan Innovation and Victoria School of Design . 
  • Students feel more positive toward learning that reflects their own culture and identity.
  • Students celebrate diversity and the cultures of their friends, peers, and classmates.

  For more details about this story and how an integrated approach might work in your context go to http://elearning.tki.org.nz/Teaching/Snapshots-of-Learning/STEAM-at-Taita-College

  How is authentic learning integrated across subject areas in your secondary school? We've love to hear how you're designing a localised curriculum in your school/kura. Is it challenging, affirming or both?