BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Whanaungatanga, the Maori principle of building and nurturing relationships, holds great importance in the realm of teaching. At its core, whanaungatanga emphasizes the interconnectedness and mutual support within a community. In teaching, this principle calls upon educators to establish genuine connections with their students and foster a sense of belonging in the classroom. By embracing whanaungatanga, teachers can create a safe and inclusive learning environment, where students feel valued, respected, and supported.

This approach encourages cooperative learning, where students actively engage with one another, strengthen their collective knowledge, and develop a sense of responsibility towards their peers. Whanaungatanga in teaching goes beyond the individual student-teacher relationship; it underscores the creation of a cohesive and tightly-knit community, where everyone feels heard and valued.

Kagan Cooperative Learning is a powerful approach that goes beyond academic achievements; it also fosters the development of authentic and meaningful relationships among students. Through its well-structured strategies and collaborative activities, Kagan creates an environment where students engage in diverse interactions, providing ample opportunities for building connections. Group work, paired discussions, and cooperative tasks enable students to communicate, listen, and actively participate with their peers. By working together towards common goals, students not only develop mutual respect, empathy, and understanding, but also learn to appreciate the diverse perspectives and strengths of others.

Kagan Cooperative Learning truly empowers students to build strong relationships that extend beyond the classroom and into the school and the community.

ETHIC OF CARING

Manaakitanga is a foundational principle in Māori culture that encompasses the act of welcoming, nurturing, and caring for others. In the context of teaching, manaakitanga is a vital element that cultivates a supportive and inclusive learning environment. By embracing manaakitanga, teachers foster positive relationships, respect diverse perspectives, and create a safe space that encourages students to voice their opinions and grow academically and personally. This principle goes beyond mere hospitality; it involves genuinely valuing and acknowledging each student's unique identity and strengths. In essence, manaakitanga in teaching empowers students to thrive through a holistic approach that embeds empathy, compassion, and genuine care into their educational journey.

Through the implementation of Kagan structures, students are provided with frequent opportunities to collaborate, communicate, and support one another in their learning journey. By working together in structured teams, students develop a sense of belonging and responsibility towards their peers, promoting inclusivity and empathy. The deliberate focus on social skills, such as greeting, praising, thanking, and parting positively cultivates a classroom environment where manaakitanga thrives, enabling students to build strong relationships, enhance their social skills, and develop a genuine concern for the well-being and success of their classmates.

With its extremely holistic approach, Kagan is more than cooperative learning. Creating the optimum environment where everyone feels safe and included is key to successful learning, and is central to everything Kagan does.

TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS

Rangatiratanga in this context refers to the concept of teacher effectiveness, emphasising the importance of assertiveness and confidence, their demeanour and body language, and their ability to know what is happening in their room at all times. Using language students understand and not belabouring points encourages respect from the students as they feel safe and secure with a confident teacher. Effective teachers encourage students to think critically, promote collaboration, and develop self-confidence, with programme content that is relevant and recognises students’ backgrounds and experiences.

A confident and assertive teacher sets clear expectations, establishes boundaries, and guides students towards success. By expressing their needs, opinions, and ideas in a respectful manner, these teachers create a sense of authority and promote a harmonious classroom atmosphere. Implementing Kagan Cooperative Learning structures and principles, further empowers teachers to assertively facilitate student participation, promote collaboration, and ensure equal opportunities for all learners. By incorporating Kagan strategies into their teaching practice, teachers have practical, research-proven strategies for curriculum delivery, instructional practice, and classroom management.

Through Kagan structures and cooperative learning techniques, teachers are equipped with the tools to positively manage their classroom and engage students actively in the learning process.

ETHIC OF BONDING

In the vibrant tapestry of education, the concept of kotahitanga - a Māori term meaning unity and togetherness - plays a significant role in shaping a harmonious and successful classroom environment. Bonding within a classroom ensures a sense of belonging, trust, and respect among students, forming the foundation for effective learning. When students feel connected to their peers and supported by their teacher, they are more likely to engage actively in the learning process, ask questions, and collaborate with enthusiasm.

Kagan Cooperative Learning equips teachers with practical strategies to foster kotahitanga, or unity, in the classroom. Classbuilding and teambuilding structures deliberately mix the students up so they get to know everyone in the room rather than just their friends.

Because Kagan can be used with any age group, it can be used right across the whole school as a shared pedagogy. By incorporating Kagan structures and methods, teachers create a inclusive and collaborative learning environment where all students feel valued and empowered.

Kagan Cooperative Learning not only enhances academic achievement but also cultivates kotahitanga, enabling students to develop a sense of belonging and connection within the classroom community.

MORALE, TONE, PULSE

Pūmanawatanga is the central concept in the Educultural Wheel. Pūmanawatanga is the essence of a school, is an intangible force that permeates the hallways and classrooms, shaping the morale, tone, and pulse of the entire learning community. It is a collective energy that makes a school come alive, creating an environment where students are uplifted, engaged, and motivated to reach their fullest potential. Pūmnawatanga is nurtured by strong leadership, dedicated teachers, and a sense of belonging for all students. When pūmanawatanga thrives, students and staff exude a sense of pride, positivity, and purpose, creating a vibrant culture of collaboration, respect, and achievement.

Kagan, as an educational approach, is able to have a profound impact on the morale, tone, and pulse of a school community, by providing the teachers with practical tools for developing relationships and promoting collaboration and active participation among teachers, and among students, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect. Kagan cultivates an inclusive environment where both teachers and students feel valued and supported, leading to enhanced morale.

Creating opportunities for students, and teachers, to work together, share ideas, and celebrate their achievements, Kagan strengthens the bond between students, teachers, and the entire school community, ultimately shaping a positive and vibrant school culture.