Most children are performing well in school, but a significant minority aren't. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) shows that students "failed" (the modern term is "not achieved") 45 percent of externally assessed NCEA English standards for 2006. They also failed 34 percent of the maths standards. These aren't particularly good numbers.
Professor John Hattie (pictured) from the University of Auckland's Education Faculty says 80 percent of our students are performing at a world first-class level - but 20 percent are struggling well below most other countries, showing a significant need for extra educational assistance outside the classroom.
Selecting a style of learning is difficult because children learn in different ways. Talk to your child's teacher and ask their advice before choosing one of the many computer-based or personal-tutor-based options out there.
Technology for learning
- The Ministry of Education has introduced 'Enabling the 21st Century Learner', an initiative aimed at improving learning across all subjects through the use of technology.
- The Community Software Plan (through EdAlive) is a similar initiative aimed at getting computer programs into schools.
- Websites such as Software for Learning Te Kete Ipurangi (TKI) and Edsoft Educational Software provide discounted programs to students through schools and online.
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