The research was conducted in four unnamed schools by a Waikato University team led by Professor Russell Bishop and released yesterday by Education Minister Trevor Mallard and Associate Education Minister Parekura Horomia.
Mr Mallard said the report would become an important tool for teachers and training. It pointed to new ways to keep students enthused and excited about learning.
PPTA president Phil Smith agreed with many of the report's findings, but found the emphasis on low teacher expectations for Maori students too simplistic.
Domestic background and heavy teacher workloads must be taken into account, he said.
Te Kotahitonga involved interviews with Maori students, teachers, parents and principals from four schools. All groups except the teachers said the most important element in student success was the classroom performance of their teacher.
Professor Bishop said the students had strong views on the problems within mainstream schools and were able to suggest solutions.
Issues highlighted by students included schools not allowing students to wear taonga, teachers not bothering to pronounce Maori words properly and the preponderance of bells and timetables.
In contrast, teachers say Maori students struggle because of factors such as inadequate nutrition, condoned absenteeism, access to drugs, low aspirations and behavioural problems.
The interview findings led to the creation of specialised teaching techniques which were then used in 11 selected classrooms for Year 9 and 10 students.
The report said this "effective teaching profile" led to reduced absenteeism and improvements in work completion and achievement.
Ministry of Education:
Te Kotahitanga - Experiences of Year 9 and 10 Maori Students in Mainstream Classrooms
[PDF]
Herald Feature: Education
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