Motivation and the reciprocal nature of professional learning between New Zealand teachers working with untrained Indian teachers

Abstract

In this article eight volunteer participants in a programme for untrained teachers in India are interviewed concerning their motivation to participate in the work, and also the challenges faced and the rewards gained. Findings show similar factors are at play in the motivation for the participants, but new knowledge concerning motivation to return to the same work is revealed. With regard to challenges faced, the language barrier, finances and arranging time off work were evident, and, in addition, family considerations were mentioned, an area not identified in previous work. The rewards of the volunteer work linked mainly to relationships, but the notions of intercultural awareness and of ako were also revealed. Participants went to India to share their teaching experience, but came home with new awareness of their own teaching practice in New Zealand.