Teaching English in a way that is responsive to the diversity in our classrooms has the most profound effect on our learners. Strong school–whānau relationships, culturally responsive classrooms, and the deliberate use of effective teaching strategies can help Pasifika learners achieve success.
The Pasifika effective teacher pedagogical practices
There are a range of resources and readings to help us begin to understand and use appropriate pedagogies that will enhance learning for Pasifika learners, and all learners, when engaging with the English Learning area in The New Zealand Curriculum.
Building relationships with Pasifika students and fanau
Malae Aloali’i has taught English at Aorere College for over 10 years and establishes caring relationships with her students and fanau, and this impacts positively on student achievement. In this interview with Togi Lemanu, Malae shares her approaches to academic mentoring.
Salem and the Dawn Raids
This snapshot from the English senior secondary curriculum guide describes how a teacher used a local context and community resources to help students get into the text and the themes of a play set in seventeenth century America.
Pasifika poetry and English classics
This snapshot, from the English senior secondary curriculum guide, describes how a teacher designed a year 13 course specifically for her class of Pasifika students and how, by making thematic connections across Pasifika poetry,Othello, and The Crucible, their understanding and appreciation of the literature of both cultures was enriched.
LEAP (Language Enhancing the Achievement of Pasifika)
LEAP is a web-based guideline for teachers that supports the learning of bilingual Pasifika students in mainstream (English-medium) classrooms in New Zealand schools.
Takiala Pasifika 2020–2023
Helpful information and resources to help support Pasifika learners engaged in the New Zealand secondary education system. Including NZQA's Takiala Pasifika, a commitment to enabling Pacific learners, families and communities to achieve their aspirations.
Effective literacy strategies Pasifika focus (PDF 192KB)
Summary of findings from the 2006 professional development project.
Tapasā: Cultural Competencies Framework for Teachers of Pacific Learners
Tapasā is designed to support teachers to become more culturally aware, confident and competent when engaging with Pacific learners and their parents, families and communities.
David Riley shares useful tips on how to engage Pasifika boys in literacy. He also discusses ways that we can be more culturally responsive in our teaching.
Updated on: 03 Dec 2020
