Reflections

Reflection

In the beginning of this course CM212, as always it is good to see our friends and fellow students/teachers from the outer Islands. During week one, I began to question myself if this was the right course for me because I dont know anything about Cook Islands Curriculum, the different groups of levels there are for children and students, as well as how to actually prepare and teach a lesson plan. I have small knowledge about how to write a lesson plan but to teach it is a whole new experience.

There was a little struggle with constructing the first two Micro-lesson plans, for instance, trying to come up with the ideas, topics and strategies to suit 1st language acquisition and 2nd language acquisition children. I did not understand these two categories but with the help and team work with other students I managed to follow along.

I really enjoyed our daily discussions as a group. It was interesting to hear the thoughts from everyone because our Cook Islands language has an impact in everybody's life. One example is the discussion about changing the policy. A new initiative that I found interesting was to write a new policy in the Cook Islands Maori Language. A challenging thought that interested me was the discussion about whether or not the Rarotongan dialect should be the the Overall language for the Cook Islands. I think this is a brilliant start for our country. I am happy with this discussion and happy speaking Penryhn. Most importantly I am also more concerned about revitalizing our language rather then debating who's dialect is superior over the other.

Having three lovely teachers or facilitators on board this years Summer School was very helpful. I loved how they all shared some of their teaching strategies and presentations of micro-lessons. For example the tox box method. Its an engaging, attractive and a colorful exercise for our L2 learners. The exercises that they presented to me were helpful and I used them as a guideline to create my own ideas for the last two lesson plans.

Everyday started and ended with kapu ti (tea) and varaoa (bread). It was great to add that in this year.

To conclude my reflection, here is a Rarotongan saying composed by our forefathers,

Kia pukuru o vaevae

kia mokora o kaki

e tiro te mata ki o..Rongo

Ieee..koko