Otago Polytechnic/Developing a Learning and Teaching Strategy at OP/Maori learners

= Succesful Māori learners =

Strategic Objective Four:
To have Maori learners participate and succeed at all levels of learning

What are our aspirations?

 * To provide a learning environment that is attractive to and supportive of Māori and facilitates their success
 * To provide an outstanding learning experience for Māori learners
 * For Kai Tahu/Māori learners to succeed in their programmes, and pathway onto higher qualifications where appropriate
 * For all Kai Tahu/Māori students to feel safe and included at OP, and able to learn as Māori.

What will we do to achieve our aspirations?

 * Develop our understanding of barriers to potential Māori learners’ engagement in Polytechnic learning and develop strategies to overcome the barriers
 * Understand and use appropriate networks for reaching potential students
 * Use Māori language and imagery in marketing materials and publications
 * Welcome whānau involvement in the learning process and at formal occasions.
 * Ensure all programmes have guidelines for flexibility to enable Māori to live as Māori e.g. attendance and assessment requirements
 * Use Māori language and imagery in all physical and technological environments
 * Provide a safe environment for Māori students e.g. not expecting them to step outside their student role to teach staff or other students about things Māori
 * Provide opportunities for students to become stronger in their understanding of their identity, and a safe place to start that journey
 * Consult Māori students on their needs and involve them in development of the learning environment
 * Develop partnerships to enable Māori students to pathway into higher levels of learning and employment, both to and from the Polytechnic
 * Provide good practice guidelines to staff to facilitate inclusive teaching and learning
 * Recognise and celebrate students’ personal growth as well as academic success
 * Support staff to develop the skills and knowledge required to enable them to implement this strategy
 * Provide an integrated approach to Māori student support that recognises and meets the needs of the whole learner.

How will we know we have been successful?

 * Māori participate at each level, at least reflecting the proportion of Māori in the Otago region
 * Māori learner retention rates are at least those of non-Māori, for all levels of qualification
 * Māori learner successful course completion rates are at least those of non-Māori, for all levels of qualification
 * Māori learner satisfaction rates are at least as high as those of non-Māori.