TEAM WORK FOR TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING

Ahakoa he iti he pounamu

Although it is small, it is greenstone

This is a humble way to deliver a small gift. Greenstone (jade) is an extremely useful commodity which is considered very precious, so although you may not be presenting greenstone, the word pounamu stands as a metaphor for something precious or a treasure from the heart.  This also represents the contribution of those in the life of the learner and the classroom, although the greenstone is small in stature it is high in value. Acknowledging each input from the learner so they feel heard and encouraged to continue sharing.

As a relational being created in the image of God, an educator of Social Studies and being Pasifika, teamwork is very much the foundation of who I am.  If I teach out of who I am then I bring my whole identity into my pedagogy.  There are different parts of who I am that I bring into the classroom.  These include being a mother, friend, wife, daughter, cousin, aunty and niece which all intertwines and shapes the teacher I am.  The differing relationships bring draw out various characteristics that inform my teaching practice, the unconditional love of a parent, partnership in friendships and perseverance in marriage are only a few we could focus on.

I would collaborate with other staff members to ensure the student is cared for in a holistic manner, discussing with others who can positively influence the learner to enhance their learning experience.  I would also communicate with the learner’s whanau, so the whanau were aware of the child’s progress and how they can help.  It is important to keep connected with the whanau of the student, so they can actively contribute to the learning outside of school and to bring understanding and clarity as to when the adolescent needs to study time or space if needed.  

I would collaborate with the student through effective feedback, as this enhances the student’s process of learning and builds agency, fosters resilience and persistence in their learning (Moss & Brookhart, 2009).  Feedback enables the student to know where I would like them to head, giving them some guidance.

Transformation begins with the way we think.  When we change the ideas that envelop or shackle us, we participate in transformational pedagogy because with changed thinking comes changed actions (Norsworthy, 2006, p.33).  The transformative learning occurs when students can connect what they have learnt with what they already know, to get a better view of a certain subject or topic.  Teamwork in class is vital, as I place students in different groups to teach learners how to collaborate with others and to learn from others and described in Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”.

Participation and Contribution will be encouraged, as each class member plays a vital role in the culture of the class.  Each voice will be heard and valued, whether they say a lot of little, they will be acknowledged.  Teamwork is working together with the learner, whanau and school community to improve the development of the learner so they are challenged and transformed into becoming the active, critical, responsible and informed citizens (Ministry of Education, 2007).

References

Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand Curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

Moss, C., & Brookhart, S. (2009). Advancing formative assessment in every classroom. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Norsworthy, B. (2006). Pedagogy as person: Relational and transformative teachers. Bethlehem Tertiary Institute, Tauranga, New Zealand.