Taking action and communicating – the importance of rimurimu

Taking action enables students to feel empowered and able to make a difference. Taking action is different to participating in activities, as action leads to a result/change/impact as well as learning.

It enables students to participate and contribute with science in an authentic context. It enables them to develop science capital – science knowledge, attitudes, skills and experiences. It also provides students with the opportunity to see themselves in science.

Combined with action is communication about the information students have gathered during the planning stage and while they are carrying out their action. Communicating information is an effective means to engage with their community and to potentially get others involved with ongoing or future action. It also provides cross-curricular opportunities in speaking, writing and presenting

The recorded professional learning session Taking action for conservation models a process of student inquiry in conservation, focusing on how to support students to put into action what they have learned through a process of inquiry.

These articles detail some of the actions taken by schools and kura who were part of MTSW’s Unlocking Curious Minds project. They contain examples of action and communication, which can inform and inspire.

• When kelp needs help: saving our sea forests – Mana College

• See the latest annual report and strategic plans on the Mountains to Sea website.

Reflection and critical evaluation are a key part of action and inquiry. Encourage students to evaluate the effectiveness of their planning and action and whether it had the desired impact on the issue. Students can also self-evaluate their learning, individual efforts and/or change in attitude or perspective.

Photo by Jorge Jimenez.