Reflective Writing

Reflective writing about our Manukura class and how it's going so far

• What was the purpose of this change in structure, and why did it interest you?

The purpose of Manukura Class is to make learning fun instead of sitting in a classroom full of noise that lacks productivity. It helps the many of us that find school too boring and that don't try in our core classes as much as we could, and it puts our capable minds to work by getting our mahi done in a better learning environment. The main reason that the class interested me was that I struggled with the work our teachers were giving us, and I couldn't keep up with the major distractions (students) in the class.

• What you, as part of the Manukura class, are being asked to do

Currently, I have been learning about leadership by making slideshows about myself and an inspiring leader that I look up to, for which I chose Caleb Smith, Otaki College Head Boy. But also the obvious things, like staying on task and getting my work done. One main thing has been to do my work to the best of my abilities, not just get by with crappy work.

• How well do you think you are keeping up with work in comparison to beforehand?

Right now, I feel like this is probably the most focused I have ever been on my work. Because the work that we are achieving is in my interest, I have better ideas for input into my work. Even when I'm not in manukura class and I'm in math, I transfer the need to get work done from manukura and use it to get my math work done.

• Comparison of how you feel about coming to school each day compared to beforehand

After joining Manukura Class, it became a lot easier to show up to school and know that you wouldn't have to sit through a long, boring period of English or science (sorry, Ms. Frost and Ms. Torley). And to sit down in a class of people that you know and trust always helps, especially when we are all doing the same work.

• Pros and cons of this kind of blended learning compared to 'traditional'

Pros:

Less interruptions

More interesting work

Staying in one place and not moving around every hour

Everyone is respectful.

Cons:

People can be too relaxed.

Sam can't always be with us.

It can be easy to be off-task.

Not many others will listen to the person in charge if they are not teachers.

• How do you feel you have been working when left to take charge of your own learning?

When left on my own, I have found that I struggle more to keep on task. It is also harder when I don't have Sam to help when I have questions. Other than that, I think it is good to be able to think while being by yourself, and it helps to avoid distractions.

 

• If you could improve or change the course in any way that helped support your learning, what would you do?

Personally, I would probably add more skill learning to it, like learning to write essays or how to vote. It would be nicer to still be learning the skills that we need for other classes and developing them into our manukura work.