MIT: Alumni Hui 2024

I feel so priviledged to have attended this gathering of talented teachers led by Matt and Dorothy at the MIT Hui held in Christchurch, hosted by KPMG! We were introduced to a Design Thinking concept that encouraged us to investigate a problem based on our current teaching practice. I was buddied up with Kariene and we focused on "Structured Literacy in the Early Years" (BSLA). We had to identify multiple problems and then do a deep dive and hone in using Crazy 8's to create possible solutions and how we can implement them? Kariene and I identified that although the BSLA program is valuable to our tamariki, time constraints are a factor in ensuring the success of setting up and completing individual assessments (prior to establishing reading groups). This needs to be done at the start of the teaching year or at the end of a 10 week teaching block and takes time to complete a whole class of learners (e.g. 20 -24 students in Year 1,2 or 3). I learnt that working with another teacher who has had a similar experience enabled us to bounce ideas off each other, compare and reflect on our own teaching practice. we identified what is working well and what needs to change. We are going to request more release time to carry out assessments which take time to analyse and then upload onto the BSLA site. Thank you so much to Justine for your kind hospitality, making us feel welcome in your space and providing delicious kai throughout the day. Nga mihi nui, Sonali Carter.