Creative Strategies for Engaging and Supporting Learning for Low Decile Intermediate School Mentees in Aotearoa

Abstract

This thesis addresses the value of activities designed to help young students between the ages of 11 - 13 years of age from low decile intermediate schools in Aotearoa NZ to engage with their learning. This group is at a critical point in their lives transitioning from intermediate into high school. They are experiencing many changes and exploring their identity, voice and abilities. This research involves designing and assessing activities based on five key design principles, identified as connectedness, supportive groups, collective reflection, collaboration and personal voice. Iterations of these activities were used by a select group of mentors and mentees who helped provide feedback on the value and outcomes of the process. It is the intention that through this design process, observations and reflections I will be able to contribute positively towards engaging young people with their education and establish an approach that can be utilised by others to do the same.