At Bear Park, there is a strong emphasis on nurturing teachers who are dedicated to refining their methodologies. Here, we enhance our research-based approach by gathering evidence and documenting key moments of learning.
Once we have gathered and structured and interpreted our observations, we are able to assess children’s learning approaches, identify schemas and theories, uncover proposals, questions and possibilities through collaborative team discussions. Through this process we are able to re-design our teaching strategies and learning experiences tailored to each child’s unique needs.
In order to enhance children’s learning outcomes, we also emphasise the value of being reflective and research-oriented. We view ourselves as co-learners who actively engage in ongoing observations, professional development and conversations to streamline educational theories and practices. We collaborate to share insights and develop effective strategies, using evidence-based approaches to evaluate and enhance our teaching and learning.
At Bear Park, teachers play a pivotal role in sparking children’s curiosity by asking questions, identifying their interests, actively listening and initiating research-based investigations evolving from observations of and at children’s interests. The goal is to cultivate critical thinking rather than simply transmitting information.
Through our daily observations and active listening, we are able to understand and learn how children build knowledge and furthermore, create opportunities to
co-construct knowledge and help to facilitate the learning process.
According to Rinaldi:
“When teachers make listening and documentation central to their practice, they transform themselves into researchers.”
This is why we document our daily observations, to capture children’s progress and unique ways of learning. By assessing and analysing this documentation, we are able to reflect upon and develop strategies to extend children’s thinking as well as identifying new questions and ways of exploring to deepen their thought process in context.
As new questions are raised and ideas identified, kaiako collaboratively strive to reflect, evaluate, analyse and research ways to better respond to them to provoke further inquiry. This ongoing process supports the evolution of children’s diverse learning approaches and interests.
By listening, observing, researching and reflecting, teachers not only play a pivotal role in children’s growth and development, but also advance our own professional growth and evolution.
This process enriches the learning experience for all, fostering an environment where both kaiako and tamariki thrive and continuously learn and improve together.
“Research is a habit of mind, an attitude that can be developed or neglected. It is a response to curiosity and doubt. It constructs new knowledge, makes for critical thinking and is part of citizenship and democracy…research is not a solitary activity, but a process of relationships and dialogue.”
-Rinaldi, C. and Moss, P.
Written by Thais Ramos, Bear Park Remuera
If you’re interested in booking a tour to visit Bear Park Remuera, we’d love to show you around. Head to Book a Tour to organise a booking.
