Cultural considerations in flexible learning

Cultural considerations in flexible learningKate Timms-Dean, EDC

Kate Timms-Dean, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Contents

The international context

Historical overview of the New Zealand context

Application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) to flexible learning



• Similar experiences amongst Indigenous and minority peoples around the world, including:

– Colonisation

– Oppression

– Language decline

– Cultural contraction

– Resource depletion

Farmer_Angel. (2007). Oppression.Accessed on May 22, 2009, from

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10260033@N08/965392377/.



• Evidence that supports the idea that these experiences contribute to:

– Alienation from mainstream, “western” structures and institutions

– Cultural dislocation and language loss

– Poor educational attainment

– Low socio-economic status


The New Zealand context

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi – the Treaty of Waitangi 1840

– An agreement between Queen Victoria and Māori rangatira (chiefs)

– Signed in 1840

– Two different versions

• English version

• Māori version

deb sidelinger. (2006). te tiriti o waitangi.Accessed on May 22, 2009 from,

http://www.flickr.com/photos/debsidelinger/101506866/.



• The English version

1. Chiefs give sovereignty to the Queen

2. The Queen guarantees the chiefs’ ownership of lands, resources and possessions

3. If Māori want to sell land, they must sell to the Queen or her agent

4. Māori are given the rights of British subjects


Political implications of the English version



• The Māori version

1. Chiefs give complete governance to the Queen

2. The Queen guarantees the chiefs’ full authority over lands, villages and treasures

3. If Māori want to sell land, they can sell to the Queen or her agent at an agreed price

4. Māori are granted the same rights as the people of England


Political implications of the Māori version


Application of Te Tiriti to flexible learning

• The articles of Te Tiriti:

– Governance

– Authority

– Equity

Stephen Glauser. (2009). Treaty house @ Waitangi.Accessed on May 22, 2009, from

http://www.flickr.com/photos/glauser/3342585195/.


Application of Treaty articles

• Governance

– Consideration of cultural needs in the development, delivery, assessment and evaluation of flexible learning

GIALIAT. (2008). warning. Accessed on May 22, 2009, from

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gialiat/2159415478/.



• Authority

– Recognition of cultural property rights

– Consultation with appropriate cultural representatives in development and delivery of flexible learning

-Kerryn-. (2007). Waitangi. Accessed on May 22, 2009, from

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kerrynz/381504122/.



• Equity

– Equitable access, retention and success in flexible learning

– Consideration of equity issues in development, delivery, assessment, evaluation and reflection

phinaphantasy. (2007). Comprehension-Understanding. Accessed on October 28, 2008, from

http://www.flickr.com/photos/phinaphantasy/1797951401/.


References

Ivison, D., Patton, P. & Sanders, W. (eds.). (2000). Political theory and the rights of Indigenous peoples. Cambridge, Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.

Treaty Resource Centre. (2007). Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Auckland, New Zealand: Treaty Resource Centre.


Education

Cultural considerations in flexible learning