Tuakana-teina refers to the relationship between an older person (tuakana) and a younger person (teina). It is specific to teaching and learning in the context of Māori. In a more traditional Māori setting, the meaning is literally “older sibling-younger sibling”.
Tuakana-teina is a mentoring approach where typically the mentors (tuakana) share their experiences, and their knowledge as well as provide information. The tuakana is a support person and adviser for the teina and the teina gives the tuakana a chance to learn new things and meet new people. Think of this as ako in action.
You can’t afford to think like you used to… This is as true in education…