Implementing a Knowledge Systems Strategy in the Classroom: Recommended Practices and Guidelines to Avoid
In a recent webinar, "Taking a knowledge systems approach in the classroom: Some dos and don'ts," educators Pauline Waiti, Lian Soh, and Rosemary Hipkins discussed the importance of integrating Mātauranga Māori, traditional Māori knowledge, into teaching programmes. The webinar was based on a set of principles developed by scientists working in collaboration with indigenous experts.
The webinar began by clarifying what Mātauranga Māori means, setting the foundation for the discussion. Pauline Waiti, the Director at Ahu Whakamua Ltd and a key figure in the development of the Pūtaiao curriculum, led the session. Lian Soh, a science and chemistry teacher at Pāpāmoa College and a 2023 Kudos finalist for both the Science Teacher and Vision Mātauranga categories, was also present. Rosemary Hipkins, the Chief Researcher at NZCER with a strong interest in the intersection of assessment and curriculum, moderated the discussion.
The webinar highlighted the challenge of building awareness of what we don't yet know and learning with an open mind. It emphasised the importance of understanding and respecting Māori knowledge systems and their integration into science education.
The purpose for introducing Mātauranga Māori and why it is important was outlined in the webinar. The presenters provided prompts for reflecting on one's own experiences and planning for the future inclusion of Mātauranga Māori into teaching programmes.
The webinar included an index with topics, slideshow numbers, and video timecodes, making it easy for viewers to navigate. It was edited and can be downloaded as a video and slideshow presentation for future reference.
Two recent publications by the presenters further explore the topics discussed in the webinar. Hipkins, Cowie, Tolbert, and Waiti's (2023) article, "Designing for empowering curriculum implementation: The potential of 'enduring competencies'" in the New Zealand Annual Review of Education, and their (2024) article, "Epistemic agency, Indigenous knowledge, and the school science curriculum: Reflections from Aotearoa New Zealand" in the International Journal of Science Education, provide more in-depth insights into the integration of Mātauranga Māori and science knowledge in classroom learning experiences.
Despite the 2023 Kudos Award in the categories Science Teacher and Vision Mātauranga not being publicly specified, the webinar showcased the dedication and expertise of the presenters in this field. Their combined knowledge and passion for integrating Mātauranga Māori into science education make this webinar a valuable resource for educators seeking to enrich their teaching practices.
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