Knowledge Centre › Can a focus on ākonga Māori learning experiences positively impact on the learning experiences for all ākonga
Two learners compare notes at the table
PROJECT

Can a focus on ākonga Māori learning experiences positively impact on the learning experiences for all ākonga

Teaching strategies, Supporting learners, Educational outcomes, Māori learner success, Māori and Pacific pedagogies

Status

In progress

Due to be completed: 31 August 2025

Key research question

This action research explores what is possible if you give a priority focus to the learning experiences and outcomes of ākonga Māori.

If you focus on ākonga Māori in this way does this impact on the learning experiences and outcomes of ākonga Māori?

How does it impact the learning experiences and outcomes of all ākonga?

Aims

The project aims to:

  • Provide evidence enabling tertiary organisations to evaluate the benefits of adopting a priority focus to the learning experiences and outcomes of ākonga Māori and marginalised ākonga.
  • Engage Tertiary Education providers in approaches that focus on ākonga Māori and marginalised ākonga in a way that moves towards ōritetanga to the benefit of all ākonga.

Methodology

This action research is about the implementation of Te Atakura, a culturally responsive relationships-based approach, guided by kaupapa Māori values. It is a practical inquiry model based on research into relationships-based learning and the work of Te Kotahitanga that was designed and implemented by Professor Russel Bishop and his colleagues at the University of Waikato and was funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Education.

Team

Tim Seaholme

Tim Seaholme

Lead Researcher

UCOL Te Pūkenga
ucol

Erin Lincoln

Research co-lead

UCOL | Te Pūkenga

Status

In progress

Funding

$93,600.00 (excl GST)

$48,750.00 Ako Aotearoa Research and Innovation Agenda (AARIA)
$44,850.00 UCOL | Te Pūkenga
Next section: Insights and Impacts

How will this project help?

This innovative action research will show the impact of an evidence based culturally responsive relationships-based practice approach to teaching and learning that has not been implemented previously in Tertiary Education. 

 

 

 

Expected outcomes

The expected outcomes of this project are:

  • Course completion data of targeted programmes against similar programmes with no intervention.
  • Sustained lifts in course completions following the action research.
  • Ākonga voice talking about their learning experience and outcomes (focus groups and interviews within classes).
  • The voices of teachers and leaders involved in the programmes on what they have learnt and the impact of what they have implemented.

Expected outputs

The main reports from the project are to be:

  • Conference presentation.
  • Research Article.
  • Educational/Promotional material in the form of short interest creating videos.
  • Presentation that can be used for senior leadership teams and their kaimahi within Tertiary Education organisations in New Zealand.