The concept of Ako describes a teaching and learning relationship, where the teacher is also learning from the student and where the teacher's methods are based on research. The teacher decides on these methods with a great deal of thought and consideration. Ako is grounded in the idea of reciprocity. Ako also states that the learner and whānau cannot be separated.
Reciprocity means that things rely on each other to work in harmony. In Ako, the students rely on the teacher to guide and instruct, and the teacher learns from the students in the same interaction.
In te ao Māori, the term Ako means both to teach and to learn. In English there are two distinct words and concepts — however, Ako means both.
It indicates that both teachers and learners bring equal importance to learning interactions and acknowledges how new knowledge and understanding can grow from shared learning experiences. This powerful concept has been supported by educational research showing that student achievement improves when teachers use reciprocal teaching and learning roles in their classrooms.
The principle of Ako affirms the value of the pair (two people) and group learning approaches in which students interact with their peers, teachers, tasks, and resources. These are very effective approaches for teaching and learning te reo Māori.
In a reciprocal learning relationship, teachers are not expected to know everything. Ako suggests that each member of the classroom or learning setting brings knowledge with them from which all are able to learn.
Embracing the principle of Ako enables teachers to build caring and inclusive learning communities where each person feels their contribution is valued so they can participate to their full potential. This is not about people simply getting along; it's about building productive relationships between teacher and students, and among students, where everyone is empowered to learn with and from each other.
Activity - understanding Ako
