The term constructivism is used very widely and somewhat loosely in education. In this article I aim to clarify the term, which can be used in relation to two quite different theories: one related to how we learn and the other related to what we learn. Being clear about the ...

Intercultural education is often a contested area. This is true of Pasifika education, the education in Aotearoa New Zealand of students with links to Pacific Island nations. Despite shifts of framing, one area identified as significant in Pasifika education is student–teacher relationships. This article describes two phases of research which ...

There is a strong case for building inclusive relationships with families in order to support academic success for Pacific secondary students. In this article, I review literature which considers the perspectives of Pacific students, their families, and teachers. An important conclusion is that listening is a key ingredient for teachers ...

Pasifika students’ cultural knowledge and practices have long had low value in New Zealand schools. It has been argued that culturally responsive teaching practice is a priority for improving the achievement of Pasifika students. Teachers who are culturally responsive in their practice know how to capitalise on the key learnings ...

Over a period of 4 years (2012−15) the kaupapa Māori research project Ka Whānau mai te Reo focused on how whānau reo Māori development is, or could, be supported as whānau move into, within, and beyond the compulsory education sector. Transition practices that prioritise te reo Māori would be a ...

Academic vocabulary is important for academic achievement, but many students, especially English-language learners, struggle with understanding and using academic vocabulary. This study reminds secondary teachers to address academic vocabulary learning and to have high expectations of all students within our increasingly diverse populations.

Literacy support and intervention can occur effectively within secondary social studies classes, rather than withdrawing students from regular instruction, by focusing on the literacy skills and knowledge relevant to
that subject. Collaboration between literacy leaders, teachers, and facilitator supports the design and implementation of a coherent literacy intervention, and builds ...

Current national and international research indicates the summer break can negatively affect students’ reading achievement. To counter this effect, our primary school with a range of students worked in collaboration with our local public library to plan and implement a summer reading programme. The purpose of the programme was to ...