Our research projects
With the University of Canterbury and the John Templeton Foundation, we study how E Tū Tāngata shapes relationships, belonging and school culture. Here are the studies running now, and the work that has already shaped the kaupapa.
E Tū Tāngata Aotearoa New Zealand: Promoting youth character by shifting a culture of criticism
Myron Friesen, Victoria Leggett
As E Tū Tāngata begins to be implemented across primary and secondary school settings, we are seeking to understand how relationships within and between staff and students change, how E Tū Tāngata is associated with changes in pro- and antisocial behaviours, as well as changes in students’ and teachers’ sense of belonging and connection to school.
Research aims
- Understanding shifts in relationships across school, within and between staff and students.
- Understanding changes in sense of belonging and connection to school.
- Investigating associations between E Tū Tāngata and changes in prosocial and antisocial behaviours.
Current research
Past research
Completed theses and papers. Full texts are held by the University of Canterbury.
01 “You Have Value, We Succeed Together, Others Matter”: Students’ Experiences of E Tū Tāngata across Three SchoolsMyron Friesen, Mark LaVenia, Victoria Leggett
This study included evaluations from Year 5–8 students at three primary schools that had implemented E Tū Tāngata between two and five years at the time of their data collection. It sought to investigate how students evaluate the effect of E Tū Tāngata at their school, if their evaluations differ by year level, gender, or ethnicity, and how their classroom experiences of E Tū Tāngata are associated with positive risk-taking, fear of failure, and school belonging.
02 E Tū Tāngata in practice: Exploring how teachers navigate pedagogy, teacher-student relationships, and classroom behaviour managementOlivia Miller
This study aimed to explore how teachers understand and experience E Tū Tāngata for themselves and how they enact the E Tū Tāngata strands within their classroom practice thereby shaping the social-emotional and learning environment of the students in their care.
03 Student experiences of E Tū Tāngata at school: A collaborative evaluation and pilot test of effects on school climate and student outcomesChloe Fraser
This study aimed to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of E Tū Tāngata on school climate and student outcomes. The main findings included positive student evaluations of the E Tū Tāngata initiative, and greater sense of school belonging and peer connection when the E Tū Tāngata mindsets were perceived as well-integrated.
04 Student reflections on school transitions and their experience of E Tū Tāngata in promoting school belongingConstance Parkes
This retrospective study aimed to explore how E Tū Tāngata affected students’ perceptions of school transitions when transitioning from a non-E Tū Tāngata to an E Tū Tāngata school. The semi-structured interviews focused on student experiences of the new school climate, their sense of belonging and their relationships with peers and teachers. The majority of students reported positive experiences and a sense of belonging at school; however, the study also indicated that students at times experienced difficulty in distinguishing E Tū Tāngata mindsets from their new schools’ values. This could be due to being a new student or discrepancies with how E Tū Tāngata was being implemented.
Want to be a part of what's next?
We're inviting schools to take part in upcoming studies. Get in touch to find out more.
Email victoria@etutangata.nzCelebrations research
Investigating the effect of students identifying and celebrating the strands as displayed by their classmates.
Restorative practices
Investigating the intersection between E Tū Tāngata’s core values and facilitating positive restorative practice experiences.