Maori Education

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32386, 27 August 1970, Page 14

Maori Education

Sir,—Much hag been written . about education for Maori j children, but nothing has been stated about what is attempted at the teachers’ colleges at the present time, , What do teachers in training , learn about Maori and Island j cultures? Has any work been , done on the roll of Maori and , Island girls in these cultures? , I understand that the vast - majority of the teachers in , training in the primary divi- 1 sion are women. How many , Maori and Island girls are in | training at the present mb- - ment? Perhaps Dr Mann , would care to comment.— Yours, etc., E.H. August 20, 1970.

[Dr J. F. Mann, principal of the Christchurch Teachers’ College, replies: “The college programme includes many sections relating to Maori culture. The art -and physical education courses contain major units of work centred round various aspects of Maori culture, and the social studies department deals with the teaching of the school syllabus which includes a study of Maori life and customs. Teaching English as a second language, and language programmes for disadvantaged children, are also dealt with by all

students. All first-year students meet with a consideration of the. Maori in a course dealing with current issues in New Zealand education. As well as these courses, there are optional studies available in education, history, geography and so on that are taken by students with special interests. There is also a very strong Maori Club and a small group of enthusiasts learning the Maori language. A national Committee of college lecturers .and departmental officers is being set up to examine this issue and to produce recommendations for the future. We have about 14 or 15 Maori or Island women students and a rather smaller number of men on the college roll."]