Modelling what we value
Social sciences are not values free. Core social science values are closely related to the values found in The New Zealand Curriculum. Students expect to find congruence between the values we promote and the way we teach.
Values form part of any legal studies course which will hopefully stay with students as they move into adulthood. Equity, through fairness and social justice, a respect for the rights of others and a sense of inquiry and curiosity by thinking critically are all values integral to any course in legal studies.
Foster participation
Give students opportunity to be involved in curriculum and classroom decision making (consistent with our advocacy of participatory democracy).
Reward initiative
Challenge students to set their own goals, manage their own work and share responsibility for group projects. Help them identify the evidence they will need for assessment. Avoid over-specifying and over-controlling.
Encourage innovation, inquiry, and curiosity
Spark curiosity. Engage students in inquiry. Resist the impulse to rescue too soon or to redirect an inquiry that heads somewhere interesting but unexpected.
Consider using an inquiry model.
Respect diversity
Build positive and respectful relationships. Ensure all students feel at home in our classrooms. Encourage and value their ideas, cultural perspectives and contributions.
Promote equity
Build positive and respectful relationships. Help young people put themselves in someone else’s shoes. Be credible and fair. Set high standards of care and consideration for others.
Learn together
Learn with your students them. Learn from your students. Teaching–learning (akō) is a reciprocal activity. Knowledge sharing (wānanga) is more powerful than one-way information transmission.
Last updated August 28, 2012
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