2021 CoL Interview

 Col Interview Questions

What achievement challenge are you considering as an area of focus in 2021 and why? Include in your WHY both evidence and your own passion/expertise

I have decided to continue working on Reading. As I teach both classes Reading, I have the opportunity to further trial strategies that will benefit a wider audience. Also, I chose Reading as I feel I will get more ‘bang for my buck’ as improved literacy skills will have a positive impact on Mathematics, especially word problems. 

What learnings from the 2017 - 2020 CoL teacher inquiries have informed or inspired your thinking.

I have been very grateful for the assistance of Dr Jannie. Dr Jannie has continued to support me in using chunking and deep-diving. My 2020 learning will always be part of my pedagogy. 

I have also been inspired by reading Poto’s blog. I loved how she found creative ways to reach her students during lockdown and it made me want to do more. 

How would your work support Manaiakalani pedagogy and  kaupapa?

Learn: strategies to achieve Tuakana teina

Create: Children use the strategies that they learned in order to produce someting e.g. DLO

Share: Blog/ Share on screen/ ako

Which elements of the extensive Manaiakalani research findings inform or challenge you as you think about this?

WFR showed reading was an area for improvement across the cluster.  HLP (high leverage practices). Using authentic texts to encourage deeper discussions. Using a range of strategies to promote critical thinking e.g. including three-level guide/ questioning/agency/ literature circles (collaboration to encourage student agency)

How would you like to be supported in 2021 as you undertake this inquiry?

Continued support of management and the BOT. Sharing during syndicate and whole-staff meetings. COL meeting support

CoL across school person to touch base with me, to verify and support

DFI offered to teachers who have previously completed it. Learn new Google innovations* in order to keep up with the latest developments.

How would you plan to support your colleagues in your school with THEIR inquiries and/or teaching in the area you are exploring?

Continue support collaborative PLD/ sharing expertise and what works in the classrooms/ syndicate and whole staff PLD. 

Continuing to focus on vocabulary

 With the smaller classes (introduced at in Week 9 of Term 3) I have continued to focus on vocabulary acquisition. Having a maximum of 16 students per class has definitely made a difference (don't let anybody tell you that size doesn't matter!). 

Using deep diving and chunking continues to be beneficial to the students. Using literature circles where students are able to collaborate and work together embraces the Maori concept of tuakana-teina. The tuakana–teina relationship, an integral part of traditional Māori society, provides a model for buddy systems. An older or more expert tuakana helps and guides a younger or less expert teina. In a learning environment that recognises the value of ako, the tuakana–teina roles may be reversed at any time.