Key Findings

• Strong relationships within the learning space were necessary to have trust, not just between tutor and students, but also between students.
• Belief by tutor that all students have the ability to achieve was important.
• It was also important to be mindful that every student was different, even within the categories of Māori, Pacific and youth. It was about trying to find the space in teaching to allow all student differences to be valued, acknowledged and reflected.
• There was a need for the tutor to be reflective in their practice.
• At the heart of staff experiences was the importance of relationship development and cultural responsiveness particular to Māori, Pacific and youth learners.
• Basic principles of teaching were also a strong common factor across all participants.

Key Recommendations

Use the findings to clarify and define what the Whitireia Way means in practice | Clarify what successful teaching and learning experiences for Māori and Pacific and youth looks like in terms of approaches and specific activities taken by Whitireia staff.

Use the research to develop a practical resource | Design a resource to help staff to give effect to the Whitireia Way.

Provide practical guidance on the Whitireia Way | Ensure staff are supported to bring the Whitireia Way into their teaching and learning practice and embed the Whitireia values in teaching and learning practice across Whitireia.