New Zealand

Dr. Susan Faircloth, is a Fulbright Scholar Recipient.

"Her Fulbright research is focused on the educational experiences of Deaf Māori students. She is particularly interested in the extent to

which these students perceive themselves to be included or

excluded from school." (Victoria University Wellington 2012)

 

The indigenous Maori people have a high incidence of deafness amongst its young children.  This is thought to be due to poor nutrition, and low economic levels.

 

INTERVIEW QUESTION  (Asked Of Dr. Faircloth)

 

What types of solutions did your research offer for the enhancement of the educational experience of the hearing impaired Maori children?

 

Dr. Susan Faircloths' Response

 

"The importance of student voice was reinforced by our research. We taught six high school students how to use an adapted version of the photovoice methodology to demonstrate to the world who they are as Deaf Maori peoples. These photos were then coupled with written language describing the photos, and turned into posters. This work was then expanded, with the support of the Ministry of Education, so that the students could be videotaped signing their posters. This was then developed into a video which was translated into English, te reo Maori (the Indigenous language) and New Zealand sign language. The students are now traveling around New Zealand exhibiting their work. The growth in these students has been remarkable. They have found their voice and are determined to be role models for the next generation of Deaf Maori students.

The lesson learned from this project is that we need to take time to stop and ask students who they are, what they want, and how they envision their futures. We need to see and hear their voices. Unfortunately, we often fail to do this." (Faircloth, S. 2014)