TauiraTauira

Based on extensive interviews with 21 individuals, this book allows us to listen to Māori from Northland recall the mid-20th century rural world in which they grew up. Metge's work tackles important questions about Māori teaching and learning: What was the role of whanau and hapu, household and marae, kaumatua and siblings, work and play in learning? How much learning was practical and how much by teaching? Metge shows that Māori ways of learning flourished alongside the school system in rural Northland and that those educational practices had a particular form and philosophy. Māori focused on learning by doing, teaching in context, learning in a group, memorising, and advancement when ready. Māori of rural Northland imparted cultural knowledge as well as practical skills through daily life and storytelling, in whanau and community activities. Under achievement of Māori children in state schools is often attributed to deficiencies in the childrens home environment. Joan Metge presents a different view. She introduces readers toMāori methods of teaching and learning that are rich in lessons for us all.