In my time as a history teacher, and even reflecting on my time as a learner, students' experience of New Zealand History has resulted in boredom and a reluctance to learn or engage in local stories. There is a perception that “interesting” or “real” history didn’t happen locally
So as for my enquiry I decided to survey a year 9 class to determine their views on learning about local history.
Pre trip 61% felt local history was important. This rose to 87% post trip.
Pre trip 19% said NZ history was boring - 28% said maybe. This dropped to 6% and 6% maybe post trip.
There is evidence to suggest that an authentic engagement with local history via Mana Whenua lifts both student interest and engagement with the stories of the past.
This is backed up by research overseas
So now the challenge is to grow the learning beyond the trip itself into the classroom
Need to conduct some student interviews re their views on Local History in more depth
"Ka mua, ka muri" is a whakatauki that many will know means "walking backwards into the future" - the idea we should look to the past to inform the future.
There is emerging evidence that local historical understanding can build community pride as students become more aware of their local community.
