Cultural considerations
In selecting and developing programmes for gifted and talented learners, it is essential to cater for students from all cultures.
Firstly, content should be considered. Schools should encourage and enable learners to select topics of study that are culturally relevant. For Māori students, this could mean an in-depth study of the Treaty of Waitangi or a research of waiata tawhito and waiata composition.
Secondly, process must be considered. For Māori learners, the mentor approach is particularly appropriate, especially if the mentor chosen is Māori. Where mentors are from a cultural group that is different from the mentee, be sure they are culturally sensitive.
The use of pull-out or withdrawal programmes must also be considered carefully. If the learner is removed from a culturally safe, comfortable environment and placed in a situation where they are the sole Māori, Tongan, or Samoan, the gifted provision may do more harm than good.
Thirdly, the product must be considered. Addressing a real audience is an important product component, and is particularly relevant for Māori students. Bevan-Brown (1996) identified "being of service" as an integral component of Māori giftedness. For example, the previously mentioned Treaty of Waitangi study could involve research to support an iwi submission to the Waitangi Tribunal, and the waiata composed during waiata research could be taught to a group and performed at a school concert.
Programmes that foster group giftedness would also be appropriate for Māori students.
Related reading
For links to a range of online reading material by New Zealand authors about gifted and talented education, go to the G&T Related Reading for School Policies and Programmes site.
Research
The Extent, Nature and Effectiveness of Planned Approaches in New Zealand Schools for Providing for Gifted and Talented Students
This research was commissioned by the Ministry of Education in response to a recommendation made in the report from the Working Party on Gifted Education, and to inform the Ministry of Education's development of policy for the education of gifted and talented students.
The purpose of the research was to determine how schools provide for these students and the efficacy of these approaches.
The section of the report entitled 'Cultural Issues' relates to the issues considered in this section.